European Conference of Presidents of Parliament hosted by the Houses of the Oireachtas concludes in Dublin

The conference focused on three themes; 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 and equality and diversity in public representation.

The conference heard keynote addresses by the Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Jerry Buttimer, PACE President Tiny Kox and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić on the themes of the conference which address the pressing challenges faced by European parliaments.

Key events:
• A pre conference panel discussion on hate speech and threats of violence against elected representatives
• Meeting of Secretaries General to discuss standards in public life and the integrity frameworks of parliaments
• A working breakfast of Women Presidents of Parliament
• The Ceann Comhairle was presented with the award for the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of the 2nd degree by the Ukrainian Speaker, H.E. Ruslan Stefanchuk, on behalf of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his significant personal contribution to the strengthening of interstate cooperation, support for the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and popularisation of the Ukrainian state in the world
• PACE President Tiny Kox led a moment of silent respect for the people of Ukraine


Speaking following the conference, the Ceann Comahirle Seán Ó Fearghaíl said: “It was a great honour for the Houses of the Oireachtas to host a major European parliamentary conference here in Dublin. Ireland is very proud to be a founding member of the Council of Europe and we need to be an active participant in the multilateral systems and frameworks that uphold democracy.”

“The conference heard lively exchanges of views on the increasingly salient issues facing parliamentarians such as hate speech, threats of violence and online abuse.”
“The Council of Europe’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law resonates deeply with values that are important to Ireland.”

“The continuing unjust aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine shows that there is a very real need for strong multilateral partnerships across Europe and the world.
My hope is that this conference will be a testament to the enduring strength of our partnerships, a triumph for democracy and a statement of our unfailing support to Ukraine.”


Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Jerry Buttimer said: “We were delighted to welcome 400 parliamentarians to Dublin and to discuss a wide range of key issues facing modern democracy. The conference heard an important conversation on the issue of hate speech and the threats of violence against elected representatives and how we must ensure our representative democracy is actually, truly representative.”

“Improving the participation of young people, women and ethnic and social groups as members of parliament was a key discussion at the conference. The participation in politics of women, young people, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ and other minorities remains unbalanced. We must find ways to break down those things that make the world of politics exclusive.”

“Throughout the conference, we highlighted a number of ways to re-instate trust in our institutions, including: more citizen engagement, the holding of free and fair elections, improving media literacy and strengthening legislation. The challenges we face should not bring a retreat from our democratic principles. Instead, these challenges call for a new resolve and a re-invigoration of democracy.”


Notes to Editor

Photos from the event are available on the Oireachtas Flickr account (Please credit Maxwells Photography)