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Today, the Minister for of Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., together with Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Mr Aodhán Ó Ríordáin T.D., launched a joint exhibition by the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána to celebrate the contribution by both organisations to the United Nations as part of a programme of events marking the 60th Anniversary of Ireland’s Membership of the United Nations.

Ireland became a member of the United Nations on 14 December 1955. Since then, Ireland has been an active member and has contributed substantially to its work, in particular within the framework of UN peacekeeping. The United Nations is also celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Entitled ‘“UN Peacekeeping – A Celebration of Ireland’s Proud Engagement”, the exhibition highlights the contribution of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána to the UN. 

Speaking during the launch, the Minister for Defence said “Ireland has a proud tradition of participation in peacekeeping missions, both civilian and military. The UN charter is central to our peacekeeping policy.  Since the first deployment of Irish peacekeepers to Lebanon in 1958, men and women from the Irish Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána have participated with honour and distinction. ..Their dedication and service contributes in no small measure to the excellent reputation that Ireland holds as a member of the international community and as a major contributor to international peace and security across the globe.”
 
The Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality stated at the launch that “As a nation we can, I believe, look back over the last 60 years with a sense of pride in the courage, commitment and professionalism of our peacekeepers and, as we look forward to the next sixty years, there is no doubt that the political complexity facing peacekeeping operations remains challenging but I am confident that An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces will continue their proud tradition of distinguished service in the cause of world peace”.

Both Ministers took the opportunity at the launch to pay tribute to serving and former members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, for the important role they have played in Ireland’s contribution to peacekeeping missions abroad.