48 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress to date of Ireland's campaign to seek election to the Security Council of the United Nations; and the number of states which have to date pledged support for Ireland's election. [25511/99]

57 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give an up-to-date report on Ireland's candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council. [25489/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 57 together.

Ireland is seeking election to one of the two non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council which are designated for the "Western Europe and Others" group of states for the two year term 2001-02. The election will take place in October 2000. The election is being contested by three other candidates: Norway, Turkey and Italy. Successful candidates will require the support of two thirds of those states present and voting. In effect, this means that the support of around 125 states will be needed to secure election. The election is by secret ballot.