The President, Taoiseach, Tánaiste and a number of Government ministers are all in New York this week for the United Nations General Assembly.

Brexit, climate change and Ireland's bid for a seat on the UN Security Council will all be discussed.

Today, the focus will be on climate change with world leaders gathering to attend the Climate Action Summit.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will address the meeting and is expected to tell delegates that from next year, Ireland will ring-fence all new revenues from carbon tax to help tackle climate change.

Representatives from a number of Irish campaign groups have travelled to New York for the Climate Summit.

Trócaire CEO Caoimhe de Barra says we need to see action, not just words from the Taoiseach when it comes to climate change.

"The Taoiseach has a huge opportunity today to show that his intention to throw off Ireland’s reputation as a climate laggard is more than rhetoric," she said.

"The Taoiseach must signal clear support for the proposal by the President-elect of the European Commission for the EU to up its 2030 target to at least 55% emissions reductions."

Tomorrow, all eyes will be on the US President Donald Trump who will deliver an address to the UN General Assembly.

Everyone is waiting to hear what he’ll say about the current tension between the US and Iran.

Also tomorrow, the Taoiseach will meet fellow leaders and is expected to hold Brexit talks with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

He'll also use the opportunity to make Ireland's case for a seat on the UN Security Council.

Ireland is hoping to secure a two-year rotating term on the council in 2021 with member states due to vote in June.

Canada and Norway are also in the running for the two available seats.

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has been appointed as the Government's Special Envoy for Ireland's candidature for election to the UN Security Council.

She’s also in New York this week and will be meeting with delegates from other countries over the coming days in a bid to secure votes for Ireland’s security council bid.

"The mood is realistic and we believe we can win," Minister Zappone said.

"Yes, we’re not as wealthy a country as the other two competitors but we bring our history of a people who have experienced famine and hunger. A people who have been through conflict and know how to create peace," Minister Zappone said.

On Wednesday, the Taoiseach will travel to Los Angeles and President Michael D Higgins will arrive at the UN.

He will deliver an address on Wednesday evening and attend a series of meetings at the United Nations throughout the week.

Whether it’s Brexit, tackling climate change or winning a seat on the UN Security Council, this week will provide an opportunity for Ireland to raise key issues at the highest levels.