Minister of Justice, Helen McEntee TD, represented Ireland at the informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers held in virtual format on the 11th and 12th of March 2021.
At the meeting of Justice Ministers, attendees had a discussion on the retention of electronic communication data. Speaking on the exchange of views, the Minister said,
“The topic of the retention of electronic communication data is a key issue for all EU Member States and I welcome the opportunity to discuss this with my EU counterparts at this week’s meeting of Justice Ministers. It was clear from the nature of the discussion that there is an appetite for a comprehensive solution to be identified at EU level.
“However, in any such solution, it is crucial that the fundamental rights of our citizens are protected. I expect this issue to be on the agenda of future meetings of Ministers in the coming months and I look further to this further engagement.”
Justice Ministers also held an exchange of views on the conclusions on strengthening the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the European Union. Ireland supports the Council conclusions and, in particular, Ireland welcomes the inclusion of specific reference to gender equality and LGBTI persons in the conclusions.
At the meeting of Home Affairs Ministers, the Presidency updated Ministers on the current state of play and way ahead in relation to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, before holding an exchange of views on the European Commission’s communication on enhancing cooperation on return and readmission. Speaking on the topic of Migration, the Minister said,
“Since its publication, it is clear that the Pact on Migration and Asylum has been the subject of intense discussion and the Portuguese Presidency have built on the work started by the German Presidency. This continued engagement is welcome.
“There is a focussed drive from the Commission to enhance cooperation on return and readmission and their recent Communication is particularly welcome.”
Other issues on the agenda at the informal meeting of Justice Ministers included: information points from the Presidency on boosting training of justice professionals, and; setting up of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Other issues on the agenda at the informal meeting of Home Affairs Ministers included discussions on: the Directive on the resilience of critical entities, and; enhancing EU-North Africa Countries cooperation.
ENDS…/