Minister of State James Browne represents Ireland at meeting of EU Justice Ministers in Luxembourg

Minister of State for Law Reform, International Law and Youth Justice James Browne TD represented Ireland at a meeting of EU Justice Ministers held in Luxembourg today (14 June 2024).

Topics considered by the Ministers at the meeting included the proposed regulation on the establishment and recognition of parenthood in cross-border situations, an update on the work of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

On the parenthood regulation, the Justice Ministers had a policy discussion on the complex issue of establishment and recognition of parenthood resulting from surrogacy, with Minister Browne expressing support for further discussion and work on possible solutions.

Minister Browne also had a bilateral meeting with Věra Jourová, Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency.

Speaking on Ireland’s participation in EPPO with the Commissioner, the Minister said:

“The EPPO was established by the EPPO Regulation in 2017 as an enhanced co-operation measure, in which not all EU Member States participate.

Last October, Ireland’s Government approved the drafting of the General Scheme of legislation to allow Ireland to join EPPO. As this work advances, I am pleased that, in the meantime, Ireland’s co-operation with the EPPO as a non-participating Member State is now operational and working well.”

The lunchtime item for discussion was on “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: fight against impunity”. Officials from the European Agency Eurojust and the International Criminal Court (ICC) attended for this item, including Prosecutor of the ICC, Karim Khan. The Minister emphasised Ireland’s commitment to ensuring that the Court has the resources it needs to pursue its mandate across all situations. This year voluntary contributions of €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor, €500,000 to the Special Fund for Relocations and €500,000 to the Special Fund for Security were announced by Ireland.

The Minister expressed his concern about the recent proliferation of threats against the Court and its officials, which interferes with the ICC’s ability to progress all its investigations, including in Ukraine.

The Justice Ministers also discussed the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime. Minister Browne outlined Ireland’s view:

“Tackling serious and organised crime in all its forms and dismantling the operations of criminal organisations is a top priority for the Irish Government. Ireland commends the Belgian Presidency for their efforts in progressing a range of actions in priority areas over the past six months. This sustained focus has made a significant contribution to advancing the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

Preventing criminal networks from recruiting children and young people has been a priority of the Belgian Presidency, and I am pleased that legislation has come into effect in Ireland criminalising adults who groom children into crime.”

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