Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of my fellow Senators, I welcome Ms Anne Brasseur, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Our distinguished guest today is the first Luxembourger and only the second woman to take up the post of the president of the assembly. Ms Brasseur, I congratulate you on your election as president earlier this year. I know the sessions she has already presided over have been eventful. This month’s session will be no less so with the election of a secretary general setting the scene for the work of the Council for the next five years.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which held its first session in 1949, can be considered the oldest international parliamentary assembly with the pluralistic composition of democratically elected members of parliaments, established on the basis of an intergovernmental treaty. Ireland is a founding member state of the Council of Europe and is deeply committed to the principles and values to which all member states subscribe. Our historical and more recent experience gives us a relevant background on which we can draw in debate and activities. The Irish delegation attending the Council of Europe sessions on behalf of the Oireachtas is highly dedicated, participating fully in plenary and committee meetings.

The Parliamentary Assembly meets for week-long plenary sessions in Strasbourg four times a year. The 321 principal members and 321 substitutes are appointed by national parliaments from among their members. The parliament of each country sends a delegation of between two and 18 representatives, depending on the country’s population and which must reflect the balance of political forces in the parliament. Under current rules, at least one representative must be female. The assembly is a unique platform for interparliamentary dialogue, communication and engagement. It is central to the Council of Europe’s promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Given the great economic, financial, environmental and social challenges that Ireland and Europe face, it is important we continue to engage, exchange ideas and work together as democratic nations to resolve the issues that face us and foster a Europe that works in the interests of its citizens.

In her office, Ms Brasseur plays an important role in helping to stimulate that dialogue. Today, we will have an opportunity to hear her vision and priorities for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The Seanad, the future of which was recently endorsed by the people in a referendum, is determined to modernise its procedures and actively engage with civic society and its representative institutions. Our discussion today with Ms Brasseur is tangible evidence of that determination.

On behalf of Seanad Éireann, I thank Ms Brasseur for agreeing to appear before the House and welcome her. We look forward to her presentation, as well as a positive and enlightening discussion.

Before we begin, I acknowledge the presence of Deputy Joe O’Reilly, leader of the Irish delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and the work of his colleagues Deputies Michael McNamara and Olivia Mitchell and Senators Jim D’Arcy, Terry Leyden and Kathryn Reilly and a former Member of the House Deirdre Clune, who is now a MEP.