merrion street

The Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee, TD, met today with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr Thorbjørn Jagland, to discuss the work of the Council of Europe and its role in the protection and promotion of human rights.

Minister McEntee expressed appreciation for Secretary General Jagland’s strong leadership of the Council of Europe. She recalled that Ireland is a strong supporter of the Council of Europe and has been an active member since its foundation in 1949. Minister McEntee paid tribute to the work of the Council of Europe and of the European Court of Human Rights and said:

“The European Court of Human Rights is the most important forum for the protection of human rights in Europe. Its judgments have guided not only member states of the Council of Europe but other countries throughout the world, on the steps they must take to respect and secure fundamental rights. In Ireland, we are very familiar with the benefits of the work of the Court in promoting human rights and we are pleased to support the Court in its work.”

SG Jagland will deliver a keynote address at Iveagh House on the evening of 29 June on “The role and influence of the European Court of Human Rights.” During his visit, SG Jagland will also meet President Higgins, Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan TD and the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó’Fearghaíl TD.