Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the ambassador and thank him for his presentation. I visited his country some years ago and went to the beautiful city of Budapest. It was a very enjoyable visit. I have been reading the report by Transparency International which alluded to several matters, some of which the ambassador addressed. He spoke about the suggestion as far back as 1989 or 1990 of holding a session of a constitutional convention. Did that happen in the context of the changes that were introduced in recent years since the government got a two thirds majority?

Any change to our Constitution requires a full vote of the people. Has that ever been considered in Hungary in the context of the changes? Even in the UK where there is not a written constitution when a major decision is taken, for example on the European Union, the issue is put to the people in a referendum.

The report from Transparency International indicated that 274 judges were forced to retire early. Could the ambassador confirm the figure? I do not know how many judges are in Hungary but it would be useful to learn. If we were to discuss a proposal in this Parliament to get rid of 274 judges in one fell swoop, there would be a serious backlash and concern. The issue is worrying. Could the ambassador confirm how the new appointments will be made? Will they be political appointments or will they be made by the proposed council on the judiciary?