"Ireland is deeply committed to the United Nations.  We look to it to uphold and defend the universal values of peace, security, human rights and development which are set out in the UN Charter".

Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, addressing the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, September 2011

Ireland is a steadfast supporter of the central and enduring role of the UN system, as provided for in the UN Charter.  But we also recognise the need to drive forward the process of institutional and organisational reform to ensure that the UN is made fit for purpose to address the global challenges of tomorrow.

In that regard, Ireland supports effective implementation of the reform agenda across all areas of the UN system.  The Permanent Mission of Ireland to the UN in New York contributes actively to efforts to improve the management of the UN, and to revitalise and reform the work of UN organs and bodies, through appropriate targeted national interventions and initiatives.  In addition, Ireland has regularly taken on leadership roles within the UN reform process.  Most recently, the Permanent Representative of Ireland, Ambassador Anne Anderson, served as co-facilitator, together with her colleagues from Mexico and South Africa, of the successful 2010 Review of the UN peacebuilding machinery.

Strengthening the United Nations to ensure that it has the capacity to fulfil its responsibilities and to act effectively will continue to be a leading Irish priority for the period ahead.