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Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee, TD, to address OECD Conference on Civil Society in Paris

Minister McEntee visits Paris on the 06th of June to participate in the first OECD Conference on Civil Society Days and for bilateral meetings, including on Brexit. 

 

Ahead of the visit Minister McEntee said:

 

“This International Conference on Civil Society Space is an important statement of support by Ireland and others for the important role which civil society plays at home and abroad. It is important that we work together to ensure that we protect the space which civil society needs to operate, in particular its essential role in promoting human rights and strengthening governance.

 

“I will also meet Sabine Thillaye, Chair of the European Affairs Committee in the Asemblée Nationale, to discuss Brexit, the next EU Strategic Agenda 2019-2024 and the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework. 

 

“Ireland’s relationship with France has always been one of enduring friendship and affinity. We greatly appreciate the French solidarity on Brexit and we are working closely with one another on the negotiations on the next MFF, where protecting CAP is a priority for both countries.”

 

Notes for editors:

 

- The OECD Conference is the centrepiece of a week-long event 'Civil Society Days' being hosted by the OECD from 4 to 7 June 2019. It is the first event of its kind hosted by the OECD and takes place against the backdrop of an increasing number of governments enacting laws, policies the space in which civil society operates. Ireland is consistently among the strongest supporters of civil society through its international development programme as assessed by the OECD Development Assistance Committee.

 

- It will be attended by over 100 participants drawn from government officials from developed and developing countries as well as a broad range of global civil society actors.

 

- Ireland plays a lead role in promoting civil society space internationally through its leadership on the civil society space resolutions at the Human Rights Council. Ireland also serves donor Co-Chair of the Task Team on Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Development Effectiveness and Enabling Environment which co-hosts the conference.