Jim O'Callaghan

During the meeting, Mr O’Callaghan re-emphasised Ireland’s commitment to the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The discussion focused on Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union and included an exchange of views on the topics of migration; domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence; and the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “Ireland reiterates its support for the Convention on Human Rights and for the Court as critical elements of the architecture of the rule of law in Europe.

“The ECHR is of particular importance to the Good Friday Agreement, which underpins the peaceful, democratic relations between communities on the Island of Ireland and our close relationship with the UK, and Ireland remains committed to ensuring the continued maintenance of the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area as it has always done.”

On the topic of migration, he stated: “Ireland recognises the significant migration-related challenges which have arisen in various Member States, which were either unforeseen at the time the Convention was drafted or which have evolved significantly since then. Ireland looks forward to the agreement of a political declaration on this topic when the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe meets in the coming weeks.”

Combatting domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a key priority both for Ireland and the Council of Europe. Speaking about this Mr O’Callaghan commented: “Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union will bring renewed focus on the fight against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. New and emerging threats that cross national boundaries, such as the rise of technology-facilitated forms of abuse and the pervasiveness of violent and extreme pornography are evolving at such pace that they require a coordinated response throughout the EU.”

The meeting concluded with a conversation about the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, which is a binding international legal instrument that aims to protect lawyers and their professional associations. It also establishes a monitoring mechanism (GRAVO). Minister O’Callaghan confirmed Ireland’s intention to ratify the Convention at the earliest opportunity.