Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
433. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 337 of 5 May 2021, his views on whether it is appropriate to engage with the Georgian and Ukrainian Ambassadors regarding their engagement with Dublin City University given that the Ambassadors have sought to engage him on this issue by sending several letters to his Department and other Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26406/21]
View answerI have made my position on Ireland's firm and sustained commitment to academic freedom as a cornerstone of an open and democratic society publicly clear, including in the context of the matter raised by the Deputy. I am certain it is well known by both Embassies.
I would recall that Ireland's support for the promotion of respect for academic freedom and freedom of speech form key parts of our wider global advocacy on human rights. I remain strongly opposed to any attempts to interfere with these rights either domestically or abroad.
It is not uncommon for my Department to copied in correspondence for information only, as is the case here.
