Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2019
87. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of developments in Hungary and Poland and the efforts of the EU to ensure that democracy and the rule of law are upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3976/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Parliament voted on 12 September 2018 on the Sargentini report which proposed the launching of Article 7 proceedings against Hungary. The General Affairs Council considered the issue at its meeting on 12 November, and again on 11 December.
Our concerns about issues relating to the rule of law in Hungary are well-known. The Taoiseach raised these when he met with Prime Minister Orban on 4 January 2018 in Budapest.
I also spoke with Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó on 14 December last and our discussion included rule of law issues.
We have concerns over the civic space available for NGOs to continue to operate in Hungary. These concerns have been exacerbated by the passage of legislation aimed at individuals and organisations providing lawful assistance to migrants and asylum seekers.
We also regret that the necessary steps were not taken to ensure the operation of Central European University in Budapest in the long term. As the Taoiseach said in this House recently, the loss of the CEU will be a loss to Budapest and Hungary.
In relation to Poland, the European Commission activated its rule of law mechanism in January 2016 and formally triggered the Article 7 procedure on 20 December 2017. There have been a number of Hearings at General Affairs Councils since then involving the Commission, Poland and other Member States, in which Ireland has actively participated highlighting the importance of respect for the rule of law.
We welcome the legislative steps taken by the Polish Government to address the concerns on rule of law issues raised by the European Commission and also by Member States at the General Affairs Council. We would encourage Poland to continue to engage and address the concerns that have been raised.
I met with Foreign Minister Czaputowicz on 21 December last and reiterated Ireland’s support for the process, and urged continuing engagement with the Commission to make further progress.
Rule of law matters are of serious concern to Ireland. We have always said that fundamental values and the rule of law are a shared EU interest and call for a common approach.
