Vol. 544 No. 5
39 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any undertakings at the European Council or the Committee of the Security Council of the United Nations, charged with advancing the campaign against international terrorism, are anticipated as having implications for the rights of Irish and European citizens under the European Convention of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29247/01]
As the Deputy will be aware, the European Council, on 21 September, approved a plan of action to counter terrorism. UN Security Council Resolution 1373 of 28 September is also aimed at combating terrorism.
In regard to the EU initiatives being undertaken after the events of 11 September, negotiations are taking place in order to finalise many of these initiatives. Ireland is committed to uphold the rights of citizens under the European Convention on Human Rights and also under the Irish Constitution.
Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union provides that the Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. The Union is bound by Article 6(2) of the treaty to respect as general principles of Community law fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the ECHR and as they result from the constitutional traditions common to the member states.
Any proposals tabled by the Community institutions or the member states clearly must take cognisance of these provisions. Likewise both the member states and the Union institutions remain cognisant of that requirement as proposals are developed in the course of negotiations. Ireland will seek to ensure that the proposals which emerge will be compatible with the ECHR and that every effort is being made to ensure that these far-reaching measures do not compromise, in any way, the fundamental rights and freedoms of Irish and European citizens.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 25.
