Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013
35. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent civic unrest in Bosnia and Herzegovina; if these particular issues have been discussed at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30813/13]
View answerI am aware of the recent protests in Sarajevo over the failure of the national Parliament to adopt a law on the Unique Master Citizen Number (JMBG). In May 2011, the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina ruled that Article 5 of the Law on JMBG was not in compliance with the Bosnian Constitution because of the inaccurate use of some municipalities’ names. The Constitutional Court requested the Parliamentary Assembly to amend this article within six months, but the Parliament’s House of Representatives’ delegates failed to do so. Since the deadline was not met, a second Constitutional Court decision entered into force, and as of 12 February newborn Bosnian citizens cannot get a JMBG. The JMBG is required for Bosnian citizens to exercise certain rights such as having access to health insurance and identity documents.
This failure to legislate for the express good of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina is deplorable. I add my voice to those of the protestors calling on the Parliament to act to rapidly adopt this important legislation. The Bosnian Parliament is fully responsible for handling this matter and it is an issue that must be solved at State level.
The citizens’ peaceful protests are entirely legitimate as long as they are conducted according to the law. I can only hope that they are successful in compelling their elected representatives to act responsibly for the good of their people.
We have not had an opportunity to discuss these latest events at the Foreign Affairs Council yet, though I expect the matter may arise next month when we consider our overall approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
