MINISTERS’ DEPUTIES

Information documents

CM/Inf(2022)14-rev5

26 October 2022

Priorities of the Irish Presidency
of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
(20 May – November 2022)

The Russian Federation’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has brought into sharp relief a founding principle of the Council of Europe: “that the pursuit of peace based upon justice and international cooperation is vital for the preservation of human society and civilisation”.

On 20 May, at a point of profound challenge for our continent, Ireland takes the helm of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers for a seventh time. In a month the State celebrate its 50^th anniversary as an EU member, in a year it serves on the UN Security Council, Ireland is honoured to lead an institution that inspires not with examples of power, but with the power of example.

Through the European Convention on Human Rights, and more than 200 other treaties, the Council has long been ‘‘the Conscience of Europe’’. Across the Presidency term, working with the Council of Europe’s leadership and fellow member states, Ireland’s goal is to reaffirm that conscience.

Ireland will strive to serve the Council of Europe as it adjusts to the expulsion of one of its largest members, and refocuses its resources to respond to the plight of another. Our highest priority will be to ensure that the Council of Europe brings its considerable expertise to bear in support of Ukraine and the millions displaced of vulnerable people displaced by the war.

Within this context, Ireland will pursue three clear, complementary aims.

1. Our Founding Freedoms - Reinforcing Human Rights & the Protection of Civilians in Europe

Ireland has a strong record in defending human rights and promoting peacebuilding across Europe, a thematic focus of our last Council of Europe Presidency in 2000, as well as our current UN Security Council term. In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this has taken on a new salience and urgency. Working closely with the Secretary General, Parliamentary Assembly, the Commissioner for Human Rights and others, Ireland’s Presidency will therefore focus on protecting human rights in the most challenging of contexts.

To that end, in September, Ireland’s Minister for Justice Helene McEntee T.D. will invite her Justice Minister counterparts to Dublin to reflect on how, collectively, we can strengthen European standards on combating Domestic, Sexual & Gender-Based Violence. In the same month, scholars, policy makers and other experts will gather in Galway to consider how the European Convention on Human Rights can be better in areas of protracted conflict. Finally, in conjunction with the Venice Commission, the Presidency will convene a high-level conference in Strasbourg on the Application of European Standards on Freedom of Association in Modern Societies.

The European Court of Human Rights is at the heart of human rights protection across Europe. Ireland was the first state to accept the Court’s jurisdiction, and has always abided by it. Across the Presidency term, Ireland will prioritise support for this preeminent legal institution, ensuring that the people of Europe benefit from the protections provided by the European Convention on Human Rights. In October, Ireland’s Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell will invite the President, Vice President, and other members of the European Court to Dublin for a roundtable with senior Irish Judiciary, followed by and a public conference at Dublin City University, at which a first Irish language translation of the European Convention on Human Rights will be launched. Building on the efforts of the outgoing Italian Presidency, Ireland will also continue to advocate for the early accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights.

2. Hear Our Voices - Promoting Participatory Democracy & Youth Engagement

Ireland’s second Presidency priority is rooted in an abiding belief in the power of deliberative democracy and the necessity of youth participation.

This year, Ireland marked the centenary of our state’s independence, an occasion which have cause to reflect on the struggle for democracy, and how it must be renewed and defended by each successive generation. The Council of Europe has long led in promoting the rights of children and youth, pioneering a myriad of vital training and inclusion programmes across the continent. Through the Presidency, Ireland will draw on this expertise to engage with and listen to young voices, the future of our democracies. At the same time, in countering illiberalism, Ireland will share its national experience, above all with Citizens’ Assemblies, in promoting participatory democracy, while seeking to learn from others.

In the Presidency’s first week, from 23 to 25 May, Ireland’s Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman T.D., will host a conference in Cork on “Building a Europe for and with Children”. Similar questions will be in focus in Strasbourg during Democracy Action Week in late June, while Ireland will also use the Presidency to advance the implementation of the recently launched Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022–2027), with Minister O’Gorman convening Hear Our Voices, an Intergovernmental conference, in Dublin from 3 to 5 October.

Ireland believes that civic education is key to the success of diverse democracies. From 15 to 17 June, Dublin City University will host the Global Forum on the Democratic Mission of Higher Education, to reflect on the role higher education leaders have in developing and maintaining diverse democratic societies. On 3 and 4 November, Ireland’s Minister for Overseas Development and Diaspora, Colm Brophy T.D., will chair the European Conference on Global Education where, two decades on from the Maastricht Global Education Declaration, a Dublin Declaration will be adopted on how, through Global Education, we can build societal commitment to greater justice, sustainability, equity and human rights. A week later, Ireland will conclude its Presidency in Strasbourg, at the World Forum for Democracy, sharing our experience of Citizens’ Assemblies.

3. Fáilte - Fostering a Europe of Welcome, Inclusion, & Diversity

Ireland’s positive experience of social change since last holding the Presidency in 2000, and the “Fáilte” (“welcome” in Irish) on which the nation prides itself, underpin our commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity across Europe.

Safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms across the continent, a key focus of the Council of Europe, will be a greater challenge than ever in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the displacement of civilians it has precipitated. In this context, Europe’s states must work with, and learn from, each other as we seek to protect the rights and freedoms of all those who have sought shelter with us.

Many of the thematic meetings of the Ministers’ Deputies that Ireland chairs in Strasbourg will be devoted to this area, while Ireland’s extensive cultural programme will also celebrate inclusion and consider the challenges to it.

In the autumn, Ireland will host meetings of the Council’s working group on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics and its Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM), with the latter preceding a conference in Galway entitled ‘‘Irish Travellers / Mincéirs and the State 1922 – 2022: the Struggle for Equality’’ (GT-ADI-SOGI).

Finally, Ireland’s Presidency will place an emphasis on Human Rights and the Environment and the equality of access to a healthy environment across all member States. In October, Ireland will mark 40 years since our ratification of the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats with an exhibition at the Council of Europe. At a policy level, Ireland aims to progress a Recommendation on Human Rights and the Environment at the Council of Europe, scheduled for adoption by the Committee of Ministers in late September. Support for this Recommendation is consistent with Ireland’s co-sponsorship of UN Human Rights Council Resolution 48/13 (Oct. 2021), which recognised having a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right for the first time.

Policy Programme

20 May, La Venaria Reale, Turin – Committee of Ministers, handover from Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Luigi Di Maio to Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Simon Coveney and beginning of Ireland’s Presidency

At a gathering of the 46 Foreign Ministers of the Council of Europe, Minister Coveney officially assumed the role of Chair of the Committee of Ministers and the Irish Presidency officially began. Ministers discussed how the Council of Europe can best respond to the war in Ukraine.

23-25 May, University College Cork, Cork: Conference on Building a Europe for and with Children, hosted by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Mr. Roderic O’Gorman T.D.

The first event of the Irish Presidency to take place in Ireland occurred in Cork. Under the framework of the Presidency priority known as ‘Hear Our Voices’, attendees discussed participative democracy and the important role young people play in the political process. Minister Roderic O’Gorman and Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović addressed the conference and young people including Ireland’s UN Youth Delegates, the President of the Irish Secondary School Students’ Union and delegates from the National Youth Assembly of Ireland were amongst those who participated in panel discussions. Young people from the CP4Europe’s five partner countries also took part in the conference and panels.

26-27 May, Galmont Hotel, Galway: Circom (European Association of Regional Television) Regional Conference 2022 & award of the “Prix Circom”, hosted by Circom Regional and TG4

Minister Byrne delivered opening remarks to this conference in Galway, which was co-hosted by Irish language national broadcaster TG4. The conference explored the role regional public service broadcasters can play in influencing the cultural and economic vibrancy in the region and their role in promoting the diversity of culture. An award for investigative journalism sponsored by the Council of Europe was presented to The Misoperated (De feilopererte), NRK Sørlandet, Norway.

30-31 May, Westin Hotel, Dublin: Bureau and Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)

Minister Coveney addressed the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly in what was the first Presidency event to take place in Dublin. In his address, he reaffirmed Ireland and the Committee of Minister’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and explored the possibility of a fourth ever Heads of State Summit of the Council of Europe. Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann Seán ó Fearghaíl and Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Mark Daly also addressed the Standing Committee.

14 June, Tralee, Kerry: Meeting of the Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

27 members of the Bureau were hosted in Tralee by the Association of Irish Local Government in partnership with Kerry County Council. Topics discussed included the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Bureau’s Cities4Cities platform, and Ukrainian refugees being housed by Kerry County Council met with delegates. An exchange of views was also held with Irish councillors on local government in Ireland. Speakers included Kerry Mayor and Head of the Irish Delegation to Congress Cllr. Jimmy Moloney, AILG President Cllr. Nicholas Crossan, President of the Congress Leen Verbeek and Ukrainian Congress delegate Svitlana Bohatyrchuk Kryvko.

15-17 June, Dublin City University, Dublin: Global Forum on Higher Education Leadership for Democracy, Sustainability, and Social Justice

The Global Forum explored how colleges and universities can work with local and global partners to create more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable democratic societies. The 120 attendees included higher education leaders and representatives of public authorities and local, regional, national, and international organisations. Minister Simon Harris and Minister Thomas Byrne addressed the Forum. A conferral ceremony also took place to award outgoing Head of the Council of Europe’s Education Department, Sjur Bergan, with an honorary doctorate.

20-24 June, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)

Addresses by Minister Simon Coveney, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands were among highlights of the summer session of the PACE.

There was also a high-level panel and interactive debate on the theme of “Upholding democratic security in Europe” with the participation of Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence of Ireland, and President of the Committee of Ministers; Pekka Haavisto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland; Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarus opposition.

21-24 June, Department of Health, Dublin: Executive Training on ‘Substance use, addictions and online practices’, co-hosted by the Department of Health and the Pompidou Group

The Pompidou Group held the first module of their annual executive training on the topic of ‘Substance use, addictions and online practices’. This was the first time the Pompidou Group visited Ireland for this training, and with them, they brought 25 students from over 20 countries. To mark the Irish Presidency of the Council of Europe, the Department of Health hosted a welcome evening for the students in their offices. The Irish Permanent Correspondent welcomed the group. The four days of classes included presentations on Irish drug policy and responses from the HSE, RADE, Chrysalis and the National Drug Treatment Centre, to provide students with an overview of how the sector works in Ireland.

28 June-1 July, Strasbourg: Democracy Action Week

The Council of Europe Youth Action Week concluded on 1 July 2022 with a presentation by the participants of a call for action directed to national governments to step up the actions and policies to revitalise democracy with the participation of young people.

The 450 young people emphasised the need for public authorities to live up to their commitments and to effectively engage young people in “democratising democracy”. The role of education for democratic citizenship and human rights is central to seriously involving younger generations and entrusting them with improving democratic processes. The participants also recalled that a democratic culture should guarantee diversity of opinions and possibility of dissent and peaceful protest, and that conflicts in a democratic society ought to be resolved by non-violent means.

The 50-point call for action, echoing the 50 years of the Council of Europe youth sector, is centred around the four main themes of the Youth Action week: Revitalising democracy and access to rights; Meaningful youth participation; Digitalisation; and Peacebuilding.

Ireland sponsored the event and opened and closed Democracy Action Week.

30 June, Strasbourg: Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) Network Annual Conference

The Conference was organised under the auspices of the Irish Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. It was opened by Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne, the Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe Christos Giakoumopoulos and the Head of the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Meglena Kuneva.

The keynote speech was delivered by European Court of Human Rights Judge Tim Eicke, The Conference included a special topical session on the Council of Europe’s response to the war in Ukraine.

7-9 July, Dublin Castle, Dublin: Annual Joint Meeting of the Council of Europe Development Bank hosted by Minister for Finance Mr. Paschal Donohoe T.D. and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Simon Coveney T.D.

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) held its annual Joint Meeting in Dublin. The CEB approved Ukraine’s accession to the Bank at zero cost to Ukraine and approved five new loans worth €465 million. The loans were granted to projects in Germany, Lithuania, Spain and Ireland. Governor Carlo Monticelli also held a series of bilateral meetings with Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe. Minister Donohoe announced, on behalf of the Government of Ireland, a €1 million contribution to a specially established Ukraine Donor Fund at the CEB, initiated by Ireland. The fund will be used to support the immediate needs of displaced Ukrainian citizens impacted by the Russian invasion of the country. In the future, it will support the reconstruction of Ukraine.

13 August, Strasbourg: Launch of European Heritage Days

Ireland’s National Heritage Week is the first of many European Heritage Days held across Europe each year, and focuses on engaging with heritage in all its forms, whether as individuals, families, communities or associations.

Ambassador Breifne O’Reilly, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the Council of Europe, has marked the start of the 2022 European Heritage Days season with a special video message from the beautiful surroundings of the historic Parc de l’Orangerie in Strasbourg.

1 September, National University of Ireland, Galway: Lighting the Shade: Effective application of ECHR in Contested European Territories conference

This academic conference held within the framework of Ireland’s Presidency saw delegates reflect on the monitoring, advisory and co-operation activities of the Council of Europe in areas of conflict and contestation. Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, joined Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge in opening the conference, which also saw a keynote address from former Irish President and Chair of the Council of Europe High-Level Reflection Group Mary Robinson. Across a range of panels, speakers identified three main issues of concern: the challenges faced by the European Court of Human Rights in establishing jurisdiction; lack of access to Council of Europe monitoring and advisory mechanisms; and the need for access to human rights, democracy and the rule of law co-operation programmes in areas of unresolved conflict.

The participation of civil society in public decision-making and the foreign funding of associations were the key themes of the international round table event entitled “Civil Society: Empowerment and Accountability” in Strasbourg, organised by the Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR in the framework of the Irish Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The event assessed the changing landscape that civil society organisations face today and reviewed the legal frameworks through which states ensure freedom of association and related rights.

Speakers included Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne, MEP Frances Fitzgerald, Director of EUFRA Michael O’Flaherty, President of the Venice Commission Claire Bazy Malaurie and Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić.

13 September, Strasbourg: Venice Commission conference on “Civil Society: Empowerment and Accountability”

14-15 September, Meath: Annual Conference of the Association of Irish Local Government

As part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) devoted its Autumn Training Programme, which had more 300 local councillors in attendance, to the Council of Europe and the themes of the Irish Presidency.

Bernd Vöhringer, President of the Chamber of Local Authorities of the Congress addressed the European dimensions of local government on a panel moderated by Cllr Jimmy Moloney, head of Ireland’s CLRAE delegation. Leo Galvan, an Irish participant in the Council of Europe’s Youth Action Week in June was one of the speakers on the topic of recognising young people as community leaders and active citizens. Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, head of Ireland’s PACE delegation, also moderated a panel on the topic of equality, inclusion and diversity. Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne closed the conference.

15 September, National University of Ireland, Galway: Meeting of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM)

43 representatives from 34 Council of Europe member states attended the hybrid meeting hosted by the University of Galway in the context of Ireland’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

Whilst in Galway, members of the ADI-ROM committee engaged with senior officials from Ireland’s Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and met a range of representatives from local and national Irish Traveller organisations. The meeting itself saw experts consider the outline of a draft recommendation on equality of Roma and Traveller women and girls, reports on how to encourage governments to employ Roma and Travellers, and good practice regarding tackling the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on Roma and Travellers.

16-17 September, National University of Ireland, Galway: Conference on “Irish Travellers / Mincéirs and the State 1922 – 2022: the Struggle for Equality conference”

Over two days, the multidisciplinary conference examined Irish Travellers’ experiences of exclusion, dating to the foundation of the Irish state in 1922, and featured panel discussions, academic presentations, theatre pieces, stories and personal reminiscences, among other formats of expression. Amongst many cultural highlights, the conference programme featured the play “Ireland Shed a Tear?”, a response to the Carrickmines fire tragedy. Several ADI-ROM experts and Council of Europe officials contributed to the conference, with Hallvard Gorseth, Head of the Council’s Anti-Discrimination Department, speaking alongside Irish Traveller activist Mags Casey at the opening ceremony.

29-30 September, RDS, Dublin: Conference of the Ministers of Justice on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence hosted by Minister for Justice, Ms Helen McEntee T.D.

October, Strasbourg: Symposium on Human Rights Defenders

3-5 October, Farmleigh House, Dublin: Hear Our Voices - Rights and Determination of the Best interests of the Child in Parental Separation and in Care Proceedings intergovernmental conference hosted by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Mr. Roderic O’Gorman T.D.

4 October, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: Centenary of the Irish Civil War: a case study for Europe event

10-14 October, Strasbourg: Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)

10-28 October, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: Conserving our Heartland, an exhibition celebrating 40 Years of the Bern Convention in Ireland

20-21 October, Farmleigh, Dublin: Judicial conference between the President and Bureau of the European Court of Human Rights and Senior Irish Judiciary, led by the Chief Justice of Ireland

25-27 October, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

28 October, Iveagh House, Dublin: Meeting of the Council of Europe’s working group on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (GT-ADI-SOGI)

3-4 November, Dublin Castle, Dublin: European Congress on Global Citizenship Education hosted by Minister for Overseas Development and Diaspora Mr Colm Brophy T.D.

7-9 November, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: World Forum for Democracy and Presidency handover to Iceland

Cultural Calendar

1 June, Place de la Republique, Strasbourg: Opening Ceremony at Strasbourg City Hall

On 20 May in Turin, Ireland took over the Presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Ministers, marking the end of the Italian Presidency. In Strasbourg, following its first Committee of Ministers’ meeting as Chair, Ireland celebrated the start of its Presidency by inaugurating a Presidency tram raising the Irish flag in Place de la Republique.

9 June, Cinéma Star Saint Exupéry, Strasbourg: Pride month: screening of The Queen of Ireland with Director Conor Horgan, preceded by rooftop reception

As part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of Europe and the City of Strasbourg's LGBTQIA+ Visibility Month, the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the Council of Europe organised a screening of the documentary "The Queen of Ireland" at Cinema Star with director Conor Horgan in attendance.

15 June, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: Jurisprudence of Joyce with Dr Joseph Hassett and Reverberations: Music and Musings from Joyce’s Dublin with Tale of the Gael

The ‘Jurisprudence of Joyce’ is a discovery of how twentieth century Ireland, and the wider world, reacted to the novel that came to be considered the foundation of modern literature. Dr Joseph M. Hassett, a leading US-based lawyer and literary critic, addresses the Ulysses obscenity trials and the legal battles fought to defend artistic expression.

‘Music and Musings’ from Joyce’s Dublin’ brings to life the metropolis of 1904 and the ensuing two decades during which the masterpiece was written. Through songs, storytelling, photographs and writings, the traditional musicians of Tale of the Gael and Niall Sheerin and Hannah Harman Conlon as Readers transport us to Edwardian Dublin for 45 minutes.

21 June, Pavillon Josephine, Strasbourg: New Éire, a celebration of young Irish musicians

An event entitled "New Eire" celebrating young Irish musicians was organised in the framework of the Irish Presidency priority "Hear our Voices" aimed at actively promoting participatory democracy and engagement with young people. The performance featured Séamus Ó Fhlatharta, Caoimhe Ní Fhlatharta, Maija Sofia, Méabh McKenna and George Kenny

28 June - 28 August, Bibliothèque André Malraux, Strasbourg: Exhibition on Following Ulysses by Deirdre Brennan

This exhibition by Deirdre Brennan paints a photographic portrait of contemporary Dublin while evoking each chapter of James Joyce's masterpiece “Ulysses”.

5-10 July, 5e Lieu, Strasbourg: Irish Poetry Jukebox installation

After Prague, Belfast, Brussels, Paris and New York, a "jukebox" was installed in the courtyard of the 5e Lieu, playing Irish poems in French and English, all with a strong link to France.

By reintroducing poetry into the city, the aim of the jukebox is to amplify voices and discourses usually relegated to the margins of the public space and thus help us to better understand the world today.

Poems by Iggy McGovern, Dermot Bolger, Catherine Phil McCarthy, Mary Noonan, Afric McGlinchey, Caitriona O’Reilly, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Paddy Bushe, Mary Dorcey, Hugh O’Donnell, Michael Coady, Gerry Murphy, Derry O’Sullivan, Aifric Mac Aodha, Theo Dorgan, Pat Boran, Edward Denniston and Matthew Sweeney were included.

7 September, Musée Tomi Ungerer, Strasbourg: Celebration of Alsatian artist and satirist Tomi Ungerer with Aria Ungerer

In celebration of Alsatian artist and satirist Tomi Ungerer, an open screening of the documentary 'Fascinating Fascism' took place in the Council of Europe followed the next day by two tours of the Tomi Ungerer Museum-International Illustration Centre in Strasbourg.

Tomi Ungerer lived in West Cork for more than 40 years before passing away in 2019. 'Fascinating Fascism' looks at the dangerously seductive aesthetics of fascism through the eyes of artist Tomi Ungerer who lived through the Second World War in occupied Alsace and had a collection of objects dating from this period.

Attended by his daughter Aria Ungerer and documentary director Celia Lowenstein, the screening allowed for a discussion during which participants noted the relevance of the themes discussed in the documentary and drawing comparisons as war returns to Europe. Strasbourg was the birthplace of Tomi Ungerer and he kept strong ties with the city even when living abroad and until his death.

9 September, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: Rentrée: a showcase of Irish music and dance

On 9 September 2022, the "Colors of Ireland" evening was held in the Palais de l'Europe. The traditional Back-to-work party gathered 400 participants and featured Irish music and dance.

The event was inaugurated by Ambassador O’Reilly, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the Council of Europe, and Denis Huber, President of the Amicale.

5 October, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: World Mental Health Week: Screening of Horrible Creature by Director Aine Stapleton, a film based on the life of James Joyce’s daughter, Lucia Joyce

11 October, Aubette Place Kléber, Strasbourg: Sounds of Europe, a concert featuring the works of Galuppi, Field, Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin with Mícéal O’Rourke

25 October, Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg: Congress of Local and Regional Authorities culture evening

27-30 October, Théâtre du Cube Noir, Strasbourg: Performances of She Was Wearing, a series of nine especially commissioned monologues which highlight the issue of violence against women

3 November, Eglise Saint Pierre-le Vieux, Strasbourg: End of Presidency Samhain Céilí and culture evening