The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, will deliver a speech tomorrow at the Institute of European Affairs in Dublin on "The role of the Ombudsman in applying the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights". The Ombudsman of Ireland, Emily O'Reilly, will address the topic from the Irish perspective.

The European Ombudsman will focus on the role of ombudsmen in ensuring the right to good administration. This right is contained in Article 41 of the Charter. According to Mr. Diamandouros, "Ensuring good administration is essential in order for citizens to be able to enjoy their rights, including human rights, in their everyday lives. Ombudsmen can help make this happen, both by providing citizens with an effective remedy when their rights under Community law are infringed and by helping to promote good administration more generally."

The Charter of Fundamental Rights is part of the draft Constitution for Europe that was presented recently by the European Convention. "If the Constitution comes into force, the Charter will become legally binding on the public administrations of the Member States when they are implementing Union law. Citizens will surely benefit from this development," says the European Ombudsman.

Background

Mr. Diamandouros is visiting Ireland to help raise awareness about his work and the service he can provide to Irish citizens. His visit will include a bilateral meeting with the Ombudsman of Ireland, Emily O'Reilly, a meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, a working lunch with the Association of European Journalists and a discussion with the Chairman of the Irish House of Representatives, Rory O'Hanlon (Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann).

 

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