Paul Connaughton
Question:54 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of the Council of Europe. [20965/99]
Written Answers. - Council of Europe.
In view of the fact that Ireland this week assumes the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, I am glad to have the opportunity to address the Deputy's question on the future of the Council of Europe.
The fundamental aim of the Council of Europe is to establish peace and prosperity, through reconciliation and co-operation between states, on the basis of shared fundamental values and common principles. This remains as valid today as it was when the organisation was established in the aftermath of World War II. Its principal objectives today are to protect and promote human rights; to develop democratic stability throughout Europe; to ensure observance of the rule of law; and to promote tolerance and social cohesion. To achieve these objectives the council works through both intergovernmental co-operation and parliamentary action.
The Council of Europe remains the key institution enshrining human rights standards in international law. The European Court of Human Rights, which has ultimate judicial authority, has established universal standards throughout Europe. The European Convention on Human Rights and related judicial instruments strengthen and secure democracy and the rule of law. They constitute the foundation for the development of a democratic Europe in which the rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens can be upheld.
The Council of Europe has played a major role in the development of Ireland's national understanding of human rights. In our view, what has and will continue to make the Council of Europe special and to mark it out from other international organisations is its concern for values – at the centre of which is concern for the individual human being. Ireland will continue to work to ensure that the council remains the essential standard-setting reference point for the protection of human rights in greater Europe. The organisation is unique in that it not only monitors compliance by member states with its standards but provides practical assistance to ensure that they can be achieved.
Since 1989 the council has evolved into an important pan-European political forum which, given adequate political will by its member states, has the potential of bringing together, on an equal footing, all the countries of greater Europe. Its rapid enlargement to 41 states has played a major role in the reconstruction of Europe based on democratic institutions and human rights. The council is well placed to serve as a forum to complement the enlargement processes of other organisations, notably that of the EU itself. Its parliamentary assembly is playing a key role in bringing new member states into the fold of European democracies and monitoring their compliance with their commitments.
The changing role of the Council of Europe inevitably poses considerable challenges and problems. Foremost among these is the need to maintain the validity of its basic principles through respect by all its enlarged membership with their obligations; second, the need to develop coherence and complementarity between the council's aims and activities and those of other organisations, particularly the OSCE and the EU; third, the need to prioritise the functioning of the organisation and cover the gap between its tasks and the resources which member states are willing to provide.
The Government attaches importance to the council's continuing role in finding common solutions for many shared problems covering a broad range of issues that affect the daily lives of our citizens. These issues include public health; children's rights; drug abuse; racism and intolerance; protecting minorities and legal co-operation.
The Government agrees with the priorities for the future work of the Council of Europe as outlined recently by the new Secretary General. These are to ensure compliance with obligations; to foster assistance and dialogue; and to develop the council's operational presence in the areas of greatest need. I held detailed discussions with the Secretary-General when he visited Dublin last week, outlining to him the Irish Presidency programme that I will present to the Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg this week. We agreed a joint approach to the immediate issues on the council's agenda. The Government looks forward to co-operating closely with the Secretary General in working towards our shared objectives during Ireland's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.