Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which European cohesion remains steadfast throughout European institutions with a view to ensuring universal acceptance of the principles of law and order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21125/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs indicated in the Commission’s ‘2023 Rule of Law Report, the rule of law situation in the European Union’, under the rule of law, all public powers always act within the constraints set out by law, in accordance with the values of democracy and fundamental rights, and under the control of independent and impartial courts. The rule of law includes principles such as legality, implying a transparent, accountable, democratic and pluralistic process for enacting laws; legal certainty; prohibiting the arbitrary exercise of executive power; effective judicial protection by independent and impartial courts, effective judicial review including respect for fundamental rights; separation of powers; and equality before the law.
These principles have been recognised by the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. In addition, the Council of Europe has developed standards and issued opinions and recommendations which provide well-established guidance for promoting and upholding the rule of law.
Ensuring respect for the rule of law is a primary responsibility of each Member State. However, deficiencies in one Member State have an impact on other Member States and on the EU as a whole. Therefore, the Union has a shared and a interest and a role to play in resolving rule of law issues wherever they arise.
Ireland has consistently supported the development of a robust range of instruments available to the European Commission to ensure that Member States adhere to rule of law obligations as enshrined in the EU treaties. These instruments include the Annual Rule of Law Reporting process, Article 7 proceedings and infringement proceedings.
Ireland will continue to engage comprehensively with the EU’s multifaceted response to internal rule of law challenges and will encourage continued dialogue and action on these issues among Member States to ensure adherence to common Rule of Law standards.
