Professor Tarlach McGonagle:

In my document, I referenced one recent example. I think it was about ten days ago, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe had a specific call for the release of Ukrainian journalists who are in captivity in Russia. This is something that is getting a lot of traction at the Council of Europe, and it is a very important point of leverage to bring pressure to bear.

At the UN, there is also real scope for the EU to take a united front, as it has done on a number of issues over the years relating to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. Ireland has a very strong voice and one that is well respected and listened to because of Ireland's long tradition of peacekeeping involvement and with the UN Security Council. Also, as the Senator himself has very helpfully referred to, there is the very good reputation Ireland has domestically for protecting the freedom and safety of journalists.