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The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, has welcomed the election of Professor Michael O’Flaherty as Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, after a vote by the Council’s Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg this week.
The Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent and impartial non-judicial institution established in 1999 by the Council of Europe to promote awareness of and respect for human rights across the Council’s 46 member states.
Speaking after the announcement of the vote, the Tánaiste said: “I want to congratulate Michael O’Flaherty on his election as Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe.
"Professor O’Flaherty has served with great distinction in several high level positions in the field of human rights and his election as Commissioner is a mark of the high regard in which he is held.
“His extensive human rights expertise, strong record of leadership and demonstrated courage, integrity and resilience, are qualities that will benefit him as he takes up his new role.
"The office of Commissioner is central to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe. Never have these ideals and principles been more important.”
Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke TD said: “The election of Michael O’Flaherty as Commissioner for Human Rights is a recognition by the Council of Europe membership of his high moral character and expertise in the field of human rights.
“His attachment to the values of the Council of Europe are undeniable and Ireland is proud to have supported his candidacy for the position.”
