Dáil debates

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Covid-19 (Foreign Affairs and Trade): Statements

 

5:55 pm

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The brutal killing of George Floyd by a US police force must be condemned. It and the brutal response to legitimate protests by some US police forces and state powers are clear evidence of the institutionalised nature of racism and hatred.

The violent attacks on members of the press who are reporting are shocking. Has the Tánaiste spoken to the US ambassador, Mr. Crawford, to condemn the violent response to legitimate protests, the acts of racism and the attacks on the press, and to express that Ireland too says that black lives matter?

The establishment of LGBT exclusion zones in Poland is horrific. The attempt to legitimise hatred and violence against LGBT communities is reminiscent of a darker European past. EU funding should be linked to upholding and protecting the rule of law. Does the Tánaiste support this call? When was the last time he communicated to the Polish ambassador on the disgraceful actions of the Polish Government?

The situation in Hong Kong has been described as the latter's last stand for freedom. In May, the Chinese Government passed a national security law that gives powers to the mainland to bypass Hong Kong democracy with security forces. There is a very real fear this is the end of free speech, assembly and freedom of the press. Does the Tánaiste lend his voice to the international outrage? Has he spoken to the Chinese ambassador about the attempts to usurp democracy in Hong Kong by its Government?

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