From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has announced today that he is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons for consideration for nomination to the list of experts eligible to serve on the Advisory Committee under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.
The Advisory Committee is the independent expert committee responsible for evaluating the implementation of the Framework Convention in State Parties and advising the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. The results of this evaluation consist of detailed country-specific opinions adopted following a monitoring procedure. This procedure involves the examination of State Reports and other sources of information as well as meetings on the spot with governmental interlocutors, national minority representatives and other relevant actors.
The Advisory Committee is composed of 18 independent experts. In accordance with Resolution (97)10 of the Committee of Ministers, members of the Advisory Committee shall have recognised expertise in the field of the protection of national minorities. They shall serve in their individual capacity, shall be independent and impartial and shall be available to serve on the Committee effectively. Members must also have a good command of either English or French.
Membership of the Advisory Committee is filled from within Member States by rotation. Ireland is not currently eligible for a permanent place, but is entitled to have an additional member present when our State report is being considered.
Minister O’Gorman said:
"I wish to acknowledge the contribution of Martin Collins, Joint-Director of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, whose term as Ireland’s representative on the Advisory Committee expired at end May 2022. Martin’s dedicated efforts on behalf of Europe’s national minorities helped strengthen the efficacy of the Framework Convention and reflected Ireland’s deep commitment to the Council of Europe and its organs.
"I would encourage suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the vacancy that now arises. The expertise of the selected nominee will benefit the Advisory Committee in its role in evaluating how Member States give effect to the principles of the Framework Convention. Furthermore, Ireland’s Fifth Periodic Report under the FCNM will shortly be submitted and it is important that we avail of the opportunity to have an Irish representative on the Advisory Committee to assist it in its consideration of the report."
The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on 16 June 2023.
The call for applications and further information on the role can be accessed at: Nominations for experts for the Advisory Committee under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities or below.
Process for the selection of two candidates for nomination of the Irish expert on the List of Experts Eligible to Serve on the Advisory Committee under the Framework Convention on National Minorities
The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) is a legally binding multilateral treaty of the Council of Europe devoted to the protection of national minorities, which Ireland signed on 1 February 1995 and ratified on 7 May 1999.
Under the FCNM, Ireland submits periodic report describing the measures implemented over the previous five years, with reference to the Council of Europe’s recommendations, and covering matters pertaining to the Traveller and Roma communities. The Fifth State Report is being finalised and the current draft can be accessed online. Country-specific monitoring of the implementation of the FCNM, including Ireland’s previous State Reports, can be consulted.