Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
337. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with the Georgian and Ukrainian Governments in view of their ambassadors’ attempts to influence academic teaching in DCU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22606/21]
View answerMy Department has been copied on some of the correspondence between the Embassies of Georgia and Ukraine and DCU. However, the Department is not otherwise involved in this case. Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to restate Ireland's firm and sustained commitment to academic freedom as a cornerstone of an open and democratic society. The promotion of respect for academic freedom and freedom of speech form key parts of our wider global advocacy on human rights. I am strongly opposed to any attempts to interfere with these rights either domestically or abroad.
