Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ambassador. With his agreement, I propose that we will take a number of questions from members. He can bank questions and replies as he sees fit. If necessary, we will have further interventions.

The committee was addressed by Transparency International earlier in the week and it expressed concern on the application of the rule of law in Hungary. The group said it wrote to the ambassador in June 2014 to express its concerns. We are anxious to hear the response the ambassador made in that regard. It was also brought to our attention the alleged blacklisting by the Hungarian Government of a number of NGOs, for whatever reason. Members will be anxious to ascertain the cause of such blacklisting and what it means. First, I call Deputy Dooley, then Senator Kathryn Reilly, Deputy Seán Kyne and Senator Aideen Hayden.