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Minister of State with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, James Browne, represented Ireland at a meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers held in Brussels today (13 December 2024).
The Minister welcomed the opportunity to meet with and congratulate Michael McGrath on his appointment as Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection and to discuss with the Commissioner his priorities for this area for the coming years.
Over the course of the day Ministers discussed proposals for new laws to combat migrant smuggling and child sexual abuse, agreed a proposal to harmonise insolvency law to facilitate greater free movement of capital within the EU, and exchanged views on how artificial intelligence might be used to support justice systems.
Speaking on the agreement reached on the proposal to harmonise insolvency law, Minister Browne said:
“Ireland is a strong supporter of the Capital Markets Union and is particularly supportive of elements of this proposal which will strengthen avoidance action and asset-tracing systems throughout the EU.
“Ireland has highly evolved and well-functioning insolvency regimes for both corporate and personal insolvency and welcomes that the proposal will not interfere with our well-functioning system but rather will facilitate greater free movement of capital within the EU and greater integration of the EU’s capital markets.”
Ministers also reached agreement in principle on a proposal for minimum rules to prevent migrant smuggling which will help target organised criminal networks, harmonise penalties reflecting the seriousness of the offence and reinforce Member States’ resourcing and capacities. Speaking on the proposed directive on migrant smuggling, Minister Browne said:
“Ireland recognises the political importance of strengthening efforts to counter and prevent migrant smuggling. Criminals involved in smuggling networks disrespect human life and the dignity of migrants, taking advantage of their vulnerability - all in pursuit of profit. We recognise that the increased use of threats and violence against migrants requires stronger law enforcement and judicial response not only at a national level, but given the cross-border nature of this, particularly at an EU level."
Over a working lunch, Ministers exchanged views on how artificial intelligence tools might be examined in the context of supporting justice systems. On this topic, Minister Browne said:
“AI has the potential to be of great benefit in the justice sphere – providing technological solutions to speed up administrative and research processes, as well as facilitating more expedient access to justice but it is clear that in the justice sector AI must be employed in a manner that is safe and practical, and has at its foundation the upholding of fundamental rights.
“Earlier this year, Ireland established an AI Advisory Council with representatives from academia and civil society, as well as industry, legal and security sectors. The Council will provide independent expert advice to Government on artificial intelligence policy and it has a specific focus on fostering public confidence and promoting the development of trustworthy and person-centred AI.
“Given rapid developments in AI technologies over the past several years, it is of great importance that our justice systems, law enforcement agencies and policy makers are aware of, and prepared to engage with, the opportunities and the threats that advancements in artificial intelligence offers.”
At the meeting, Ministers also discussed the future of EU criminal law and agreed conclusions on measures to promote the competitiveness of the EU and its Member States through civil justice.