Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
24. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had engagement with the Polish Ambassador regarding reports of LGBT free zones in Poland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47165/21]
View answerI am concerned by some of the developments relating to LGBTI+ people in Poland including the impact of resolutions adopted by some local authorities on members of the LGBTI+ community.
I can assure the Deputy that our concerns on these matters have been raised with the Polish Government. I have written to my Polish counterpart to set out the concerns that have been expressed by Irish people and by the large Polish community living in Ireland. I also underlined Ireland and Poland’s shared commitments to equality and non-discrimination as EU Member States. We will continue to raise our concerns through all appropriate channels with the Polish authorities.
The Embassy of Ireland in Warsaw undertakes a number of initiatives to demonstrate support for the LGBTI+ community in Poland, including participating in Pride Parades and actively engaging with civil society groups in Poland. The Ambassador also signs an annual open letter of support for efforts to raise public awareness of the issues affecting the LGBTI+ community, both in Poland and globally.
We will continue to constructively engage both bilaterally and at the EU level on this very important issue.
