"Counter-terrorism measures must respect human rights and the rule of law" - Minister Murphy

"Swift adoption of EU measure on Passenger Name Records needed"

Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection, Dara Murphy, TD, today attended the monthly meeting of the General Affairs Council where the EU's approach to counter-terrorism and the agenda for the March European Council were among the matters discussed.

Speaking after the meeting in Brussels, Minister Murphy said:

“Ministers discussed EU action to counter-terrorism, building on the recent work of the Foreign Affairs and Justice and Home Affairs Councils, and reaffirmed our commitment to a comprehensive EU approach.”

“The prevention and combat of terrorism requires a mix of actions, both within the EU and externally, in terms of our engagement with and support for, third countries.”

“In responding to the terrorist threat, however, we must not compromise our values. We need to ensure that any new initiatives or measures we introduce are fully respectful of human rights and the rule of law. This is a conviction that I know is shared."

“The proposed Passenger Name Record Directive, for example, is a necessary EU measure that is designed to strike a balance between personal privacy on the one hand, and public safety and security on the other. We need to see progress on this issue at EU level and ensure that it is adopted without delay.”