The opening addresses were preceded by a pre-conference discussion on hate speech and a working breakfast of women presidents of parliament.
The European Conference of Presidents of Parliament, a two-day conference taking place at the Convention Centre Dublin, has begun with an address to the plenary session by the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Secretary General of the Council of EuropeThe Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann addresses ECPP 2023
The Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann addresses ECPP 2023
During the conference, speakers and presidents of parliament from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe and many partner, observer and neighbouring countries, as well as the heads of several interparliamentary assemblies, will speak to three themes.
The themes are:
- consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the role of national parliaments in Ukraine’s reconstruction
- challenges to representative democracy in volatile times
- equality and diversity in public representation, including the participation of young people, women and ethnic and social groups as members of parliament
Pre-conference discussion on hate speech
In advance of the opening of the plenary session a group of parliamentarians, academics and members of civil society debated hate speech and threats to violence against elected representatives. In particular, participants discussed the underlying causes of hate speech and threats, potential consequences and strategies that may prevent or mitigate hate speech while safeguarding democratic processes.
Participants and attendees at a pre-event discussion on hate speech and threats of violence against elected representatives
The event included contributions from Carola Gunnarsson, international spokesperson of the Council of European municipalities and regions; Hannah Phillips, a policy researcher with the Jo Cox Foundation, Nóirín Ó Sullivan, a former Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. Introductory remarks were made by Deputy Kathleen Funchion of Dáil Éireann and the debate was moderated by journalist Flor MacCarthy.
Working breakfast of women presidents of parliament
Before the opening of the plenary session, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, welcomed women presidents of parliament to a working breakfast at the event venue.
Participants and attendees of working breakfast of women presidents of parliament- Check out more images from the opening addresses, the pre-event discussion on hate speech and the working breakfast of women presidents of parliament