Taoiseach and ministers head for UN General Assembly

The Taoiseach and several Government ministers are travelling to New York today for the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

This annual gathering of presidents, prime ministers and other senior officials takes place against the backdrop of war and instability in the Middle East, the continuing war in Ukraine, and questions over the future role and operations of the United Nations itself.

The Taoiseach will represent Ireland at UN High-Level Week, along with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond, and Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, with special responsibility for the Marine, Timmy Dooley.

The first day of the high-level general debate will be on tomorrow, under the main theme 'Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all'.

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The Irish government has greater diplomatic visibility this year, as Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will be among nearly 130 heads of state and government to give a speech throughout the week.

He is due to take to the podium on Thursday evening to deliver Ireland’s national statement.

Minister focusing on Afghan women and girls

Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee is expected to focus on the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as highlighting support for the UN system.

Ms McEntee is today due to co-host an event on Afghanistan, in collaboration with the Malala Fund, to highlight the situation facing Afghan women and girls.

She is also expected to lay a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial and engage in business and trade meetings later in the week.

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond’s programme will focus on Ireland’s commitment to international development and humanitarian action at a time of pressure on the aid system.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Richmond said he wants to bring the message that countries need to work together to ensure the UN’s development system remains effective and efficient, and responds to evolving global challenges.