EU50 Iveagh House Lecture: Emily O’Reilly, European Ombudsman

Emily O’Reilly, European Ombudsman will deliver a Department of Foreign Affairs EU50 Iveagh House Lecture on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 at 12.30 pm.

EU50 Iveagh House lecture series

The EU50 Iveagh House lecture series is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs' ongoing series of Iveagh House commemorative lectures held since 2012.

Each lecture recalls a significant event in our history or current affairs, not as an end in itself, but as a starting point for reflection on the future.

50 years of EU membership

The EU50 lecture series, which is also part of the Government’s EU50 programme marking 50 years of EU membership, is focussing on themes that reflect Ireland's 50 years of membership of the EU.

The series is featuring high-level speakers and commentators who have held, or currently hold, leadership roles in the European Union or are experts on European Union matters.

What is the European Ombudsman?

The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body that holds the EU’s institutions and agencies to account, and promotes good administration. The Ombudsman helps people, businesses, and organisations facing problems with the EU’s administration by investigating complaints about maladministration by EU institutions and bodies, as well as by proactively looking into broader systemic issues.

While the Ombudsman considers the EU to have good administrative standards already, she believes it has a duty to achieve the highest standard possible for the benefit of Europeans.

The European Parliament first elected Emily O’Reilly as European Ombudsman in July 2013. Following the European Parliament elections, she was re-elected for a five-year mandate in December 2014 and again in December 2019.

Prior to becoming European Ombudsman, Emily served as Ireland's first female Ombudsman and Information Commissioner (2003-2013) and Commissioner for Environmental Information (2007-2013).

Emily O’Reilly is an author and a former journalist and broadcaster, whose career has attracted significant domestic and international recognition.

This event will be moderated by Ms Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent, Euronews.