Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
365. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps Ireland is taking to reinforce the commitment to the rule of law throughout the EU in view of the worrying developments in some member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23301/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland firmly supports the rule of law as a core value of the European Union. The rule of law is and should remain a fundamental principle that all EU Member States respect, protect and promote.
It is important for the EU to have the necessary tools to monitor the rule of law across Member States and effectively respond to challenges where they arise.
We welcome the priority given to the rule of law by the new Commission and by the German Presidency, and the development of the new rule of law mechanism. We have fully participated in the preparatory process for the Commission’s first annual report on the rule of law, including its chapter on Ireland, and we look forward to its publication later this month and subsequent discussion at the General Affairs Council.
As part of the Article 7 procedure, there have been a number of hearings at General Affairs Councils over the past two years involving the Commission, Hungary and Poland, and other Member States. We have actively participated, highlighting the importance we attach to respect for the rule of law. We encourage both Hungary and Poland to continue to work with the Commission and fellow Member States to address these concerns.
We will continue to work with fellow Member States and the EU institutions, as well as at bilateral level, to ensure that the rule of law is upheld across the Union.
