27 Sep 2023, 13:15
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 gather at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Thursday, 28 September and Friday, 29 September for a major European parliamentary summit.
More than 60 Speakers or Deputy Speakers and around 400 delegates are expected at the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament (ECPP), which is held every two years under the auspices of the Strasbourg-based Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), hosted this year by the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The first European Conference of Presidents of Parliament was held in 1975. It takes place every two years, hosted alternately in Strasbourg and in the capital of a Council of Europe member state.
The conference will focus on three themes, each introduced with key-note addresses by three national Speakers:
- The consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the role of national parliaments in Ukraine’s reconstruction
- The challenges to representative democracy in volatile times
- Equality and diversity in public representation – the participation of young people, women and ethnic and social groups as members of parliament
The conference will open with welcoming addresses by Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD and Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Jerry Buttimer.
There will also be addresses by PACE President Tiny Kox and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić.
(Holding quotes) Speaking ahead of the conference, the Ceann Comhairle said: “We are honoured to host this major conference and welcome hundreds of delegates to Dublin. As legislators, it is our role, and that of our parliaments, to act as guardians of democracy which is demonstrated by this large gathering of Speakers.”
Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Jerry Buttimer said: “We look forward to hosting parliamentarians from across Europe and holding key discussions on the war in Ukraine, equality and diversity in public representation and challenges to democracy in volatile times.”
Notes to Editors
Ahead of the summit opening, there will be a pre-conference event on “Hate speech and threats of violence against elected representatives”, while female Presidents of Parliament who are participating will hold a working breakfast (both events are not open to the media).
All media queries can be directed to Event Press Officers and PACE Media Officer
Áine McMahon – aine.mcmahon@oireachtas.ie – 085 8007312
Stephen Higgins - stephen.higgins@oireachtas.ie – 085 8013096
Angus Macdonald - angus.macdonald@coe.int - +33 6 99 02 05 24
Members of the media accredited to attend should report to the Media Reception desk at the Convention Centre Dublin (Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, D01 T1W6, Ireland), where your access pass can be picked up from 8am on Thursday, September 28th.
Please note that you will be required to produce photo ID and your press card to gain access.
It will be possible to view live broadcasts of the European Conference of the Presidents of Parliaments online in the original languages (on the website of the Oireachtas) and with interpretation into English, French, German and Italian (additionally available on the conference web page of PACE).
Video recordings of the plenary sessions will be available for download, in original languages only, from the Monday after the conference (on the PACE website).
Copies of speeches delivered will also be available on request through PACE Media Officer Angus Macdonald (contact above).
All media attending will be required to wear the press badge provided at all times, and carry appropriate identification. Admittance to the Convention Centre Dublin is strictly limited to those who are accredited and have been confirmed by e-mail from Stephen Higgins or Áine McMahon. If you have not pre-registered, you will not be able to attend.
Arranging interviews at the Convention Centre Dublin
Interviews with participating Speakers and Presidents at the Convention Centre Dublin can take place by agreement. Media may contact intended interviewees directly.
Photography and filming at the Convention Centre Dublin
Accredited media may film in the plenary chamber and may take photographs, but must make use of the designated area and should not in any way obstruct proceedings.
Filming and photography queries should be directed to Event Press Officers Stephen Higgins and Áine McMahon.
Maxwells Photography will issue official photos from the event to media during and after the event – including an official “family photo” of all participants. These will also be filed to media and newsdesks.
Official photographs from the event will also be available on the Oireachtas Flickr account.
Facilities
A press room will be provided on Level 1 with WiFi and the use of a printer.
Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in the four languages of the conference: English, French, German and Italian.
The conference hashtag will be #SpeakersSpeak2023