Justice Minister addressing the UN in New York demands an end to the 'needless and senseless loss of life'

Justice Minister, Helen McEntee addressed the United Nations in New York last night (Tuesday) where she called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

She was addressing the UN's 68th Commission on the Status of Women and she reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to addressing poverty among women and girls.

She spoke of the women and children who have been devastated by war and by conflict - “the barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the murder, kidnapping and rape of Israeli hostages by the terrorist group Hamas and the ordinary people of Gaza, the women and the children, who are living in hell on earth.”

“The violence and the sexual violence must end. Ireland today again calls for the immediate release of all hostages, and for an immediate ceasefire to begin, so that the needless and senseless loss of life can end. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”

In her address she outlined the Government's plan to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence, as well as the introduction of a statutory right to five days, fully paid domestic violence leave.

“As an international community, we have committed to reaching the furthest behind first: if we are to fulfil this commitment, women and girls experiencing poverty must be at the centre of our efforts in promoting human rights, and in furthering sustainable development.

“Domestically, Ireland is working towards a successor to our National Strategy for Women and Girls. We are also advancing equality budgeting across Government, and participating in an EU Commission flagship project on gender mainstreaming in budget processes. Through this, we will strengthen gender and equality proofing throughout our policy and budgetary cycles.

“As the work of this Commission has highlighted, ensuring women’s economic participation is central to addressing poverty and Ireland has taken steps to support women in the workplace. Under Irish law, organisations must report on their gender pay gap and reflect on the drivers behind it and this will be expanded to a wider cohort of employers this year.”

The Minister outlined Ireland's family leave entitlements for working parents, the extension in 2023 of breastfeeding breaks to two years and the introduction of short term leave for parents and carers and improved affordability of early learning care and school aged childcare, as well as improved pension entitlement.

On Monday, Monday, Minister McEntee participated in a roundtable discussion on the future of US-Ireland trade and investment at the Leadership Breakfast at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wall Street, before the ringing of the opening bell.

During the week, she will meet with UN Deputy Secretary General and Chair of the Sustainable Development Group, Ms Amina Mohamed, and host a breakfast discussion on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.

Throughout the week, Minister McEntee will participate in a series of business and investment promotion events and receptions, including the launch of the Annual Report of the American-Irish Chamber of Commerce and will attend a US-Ireland Council event.

Later she will join New York City’s St Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, Maggie Timoney, CEO of Heineken USA, for the closing bell of NASDAQ, which will be displayed on Time Square in Midtown Manhattan.

The Minister will address a reception at John Jay College in honour of the McCabe Fellowship, a program that invites outstanding Garda members in Ireland to attend the college in New York, which is aimed at enhancing the leadership skills and understanding of police practices.

As part of the community dimension of her programme, the Minister will attend the Official St Patrick’s Day Reception for the Irish Community in New York, hosted at the Consulate General of Ireland.

Later in the week, the Minister will join Westlife for a Lighting Ceremony at the Empire State Building, where the iconic New York landmark will be illuminated in green in honour of Ireland’s national day.

On the day of the 263rd St Patrick’s Day Parade, Minister McEntee will first attend a Breakfast hosted by the Mayor of New York City at his official residence at Gracie Mansion. The Mayor’s Breakfast will be followed by a mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and a breakfast with the Irish Chamber of Commerce USA.

Minister McEntee’s trip will culminate in marching up Fifth Avenue alongside New York politicians and numerous Irish organizations. It is anticipated that over a quarter million people will watch the annual celebration of Ireland and Irish culture in New York.