Ireland's services to the Council of Europe

Numerous Irish citizens have been appointed or have occupied high-functions at the Council of Europe. In addition, several members of our community work within the Council of Europe as agents of the institution.

Commissioner for Human Rights

An Irish human rights lawyer, Dr Michael O'Flaherty was elected in 2024 as the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights. The Commissioner 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 in the 46 Council of Europe member states.

President of the European Court of Human Rights (2022-2024)

Ireland was immensely proud to have Siofra O’Leary as the first female President of the European Court of Human Rights from 2022-2024. The President presides at plenary meetings of the Court, meetings of the Grand Chamber, and meetings of the panel of 5 judges.

Judge at the European Court of Human Rights

Our current Judge to the European Court of Human Rights is Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, an Adjunct Professor of Law at Maynooth University and former judge at the Court of Appeal.