Leader of the Irish Delegation to the Council of Europe, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin will welcome the leadership of the organisation to Dublin this week. The Council of Europe is Europe’s leading human rights organisation, dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Ireland was one of the ten founding members when the Council was established in 1949. There are 46 members. Russia was excluded in March 2022.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “It is an honour as leader of the Irish parliamentary delegation to the Council of Europe to host international delegations from 46 countries in Dublin this week.
In my role as leader, I have engaged extensively with the Council of Europe on issues such as upholding LGBT rights across the 46 member states, election monitoring in developing democracies, as well as pledging Irelands unwavering support for the removal of the Russian Federation from the Council of Europe and fighting for unity on international sanctions.”
“On the 20th of May, Ireland assumed the Presidency of the Council of Europe for the first time in over 20 years. We have taken a leadership role at a pivotal time in history. The Council of Europe must stand strong against dictatorship and tyranny.”
“We will be having a series of high-level discussion in Dublin today and tomorrow and will also be hosting delegates at a formal state reception this evening. Strengthening our diplomatic ties with allies has never been more important than it is today.”
Fiona concluded by saying “In my role as Chair of the Oireachtas Womens Caucus I will also be hosting the first womens caucus of the Council of Europe members along with esteemed guest and former Secretary-General of the European Commission Catherine Day. Advancing the cause of women with domestic and international public life remains a core objective.”
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