Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004
98 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to recent calls from Amnesty International for the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs policies to provide better protection of human rights; his views on whether the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs agenda is disproportionately concentrated on security and illegal immigration issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25323/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the views of Amnesty International as set out in its document, More Justice and Freedom to Balance Security: Amnesty International's Recommendations to the EU. The development of the European Union as an area of freedom, security and justice in which the free movement of persons is assured is a core objective set down in the treaties but one which the treaties also recognise must be accompanied by appropriate measures with respect to external border controls, asylum, immigration and the combating of crime. The treaties also provide that the Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, principles which are common to the member states. The treaties further require the Union to respect fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and as they result from the constitutional traditions common to the member states as general principles of Community law.
I am satisfied that the task of developing the Union as an area of freedom, security and justice has been approached with due regard to these requirements and that there has not been a disproportionate emphasis on security and illegal immigration issues. I am also satisfied that the Council's approach to those issues directly concerned with security and illegal immigration is balanced and underpinned by a concern for the protection of human rights.
Amnesty's recent submission is directed in part to the next phase of that process. The European Council decided in June that the time had come to launch the next phase of the process of creating a genuine area of freedom, security and justice and invited the Council and the Commission to prepare a programme for the coming years. The Netherlands Presidency has taken forward work on that programme and the outcome will be considered by the European Council later this week. The views of Amnesty International and others have been taken into account as part of that process.
