The European Affairs Division is responsible for co-ordinating and monitoring the department's European business, particularly cross cutting issues, which may involve a number of functions and other government departments.
While the office is based in Dublin, the Division works closely with staff in Brussels and Strasbourg.
The Division supports both the Minister and the department in discharging our EU and Council of Europe responsibilities, and in communicating and representing Ireland's interests at various meetings and events.
The Division also monitors progress on key legislative and policy proposals arising in the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) area. They keep abreast of key developments, engaging with other Functions on any issues that may need their attention and ensure that any requiring our input are identified and are addressed at an early stage.
The Division coordinates and provides accurate and comprehensive briefing material to Ministers to ensure that the department’s policy positions are maintained and promoted so their contribution at meetings is optimised.
The Division agrees policy lines with other Functions as required. They determine overall policy stances on cross-cutting issues, ensuring that these are conveyed in a clear and appropriate fashion at the relevant meetings and events.
Central to the Division’s attendance at Ministerial meetings is the provision of assistance and advice to the Minister, ensuring she is fully briefed so as to be able to make a full contribution.
The European Affairs Division is also responsible for monitoring the application of Ireland’s treaty rights under Protocol 19, 20 & 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (the Lisbon Treaty).
Ireland has an option, provided for in Article 3.1 of Protocol 21 annexed to the Treaty of Lisbon, to opt-in to individual proposals in the area of freedom, security and justice.
The Protocol provides that Ireland has three months, from the date a proposal or initiative is presented to the Council, to notify the Presidency of the Council in writing of its wish to take part in the negotiation, adoption and application of any such measure.
The exercise of this opt-in is subject to the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas. Ireland may also, at any stage after a measure has been adopted, indicate its wish to participate, though the Commission has to give its approval.
Below you will find the list of measures where Ireland exercised an opt-in pursuant to the Protocol since the Lisbon Treaty came into force and the list of measures that automatically apply to Ireland by virtue of Council Decision 2002/192/EC:
EU Justice and Home Affairs Measures Subject to Protocol 21 in which Ireland did Opt-in
EU Justice and Home Affairs Measures Subject to Protocol 21 in which Ireland did Opt-in - April 23
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EU Measures that automatically apply to Ireland by virtue of Council Decision 2002/192/EC
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Learn more about the European Affairs division's offices.