King’s Inns students visited the Council of Europe with the Department of Foreign Affairs

During our recent trip to the Council of Europe, we had the invaluable opportunity to engage with a variety of high–level officials and experts, both within the Council and in advance of our visit through briefings with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). These discussions provided us with a comprehensive understanding of Ireland’s role within the European human rights and international law framework.

Pre–Departure Briefings with the Department of Foreign Affairs

Our preparation began with a series of insightful briefings at the DFA. We first met with Barra Lysaght, Assistant Legal Advisor on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Barra offered an in–depth look into his work on cases before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) involving Ireland.

We then had the privilege of discussing Ireland’s broader priorities within the Council of Europe with Breifne O’Reilly, Director of the EU Division and former Permanent Representative during Ireland’s 2022 Presidency of the Council of Europe. Breifne provided a fascinating account of the core objectives that defined Ireland’s presidency, particularly in the areas of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He also highlighted key ECtHR judgments that have shaped Ireland’s legal landscape and informed its approach to human rights compliance.

Our third meeting was with Jackie O’Halloran, Director within the Human Rights Unit, who shared her expertise on the Unit’s work in advancing Ireland’s international human rights obligations, particularly within the framework of the United Nations. Jackie’s insights underscored Ireland’s commitment to promoting human rights on a global scale, with a focus on ensuring that international norms are translated into domestic action.

Finally, we had an engaging discussion with Killian Browne and John Prendergast on career opportunities within the EU. They provided practical advice on navigating EU careers and the essential skills needed for roles in European institutions, which was particularly relevant given our interest in pursuing careers in international and European law.

Key Meetings at the Council of Europe

At the Council of Europe, we had the honour of meeting Nicolaos Sitaropoulos, Head of Division at the Venice Commission. Nicolaos provided a detailed overview of the Commission’s critical role in upholding constitutional principles and the rule of law across Europe. He elaborated on the initiation and drafting of Venice Commission reports and discussed the recent revisions to the Commission’s statute and rules of procedure. We also had the opportunity to meet with Matjaž Gruden, Director of Democratic Participation at the Council of Europe and Meeting with Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General Council of Europe.

At the Council of Europe, we also attended sessions organised as part of the World Forum for Democracy, which is a unique platform for political decision–makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide. The focus of one of these discussions related to combating misinformation, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine.

During our time in Strasbourg, we met with members of staff of the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the Council of Europe, including Caitríona Doyle, Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe. We also attended a plenary session of the World Forum for Democracy, titled “From Populism to Authoritarianism” and moderated by Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe.

Visit to the European Court of Human Rights

While in Strasbourg, we visited the European Court of Human Rights. We received information on the development and work of the Court, Ireland’s engagement with the Court and participated in an informative discussion with a Senior Legal Advisor at the Court.

Many thanks to the DFA for organising this engaging and enjoyable trip, and to all of the speakers we met throughout our time in Dublin and Strasbourg!

Piece written by Students Sorcha Mairéad Montgomery (MOD 1) and Krizia Testa (full–time).