Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I wish to acknowledge the work done by the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Deputy O'Gorman, who continues to work in this area. He has spoken to me about it and has expressed real concern.

It is important that we try to advocate for and deliver change. We have to figure out the best way of doing that. Sometimes within the European Union that is not necessarily done by penalties and punishment. Sometimes it is more effective to try to do it through political persuasion and dialogue. Ultimately, this is about protecting a community which is being discriminated against in a way that is not acceptable and consistent with the values of the EU. We need to find ways to change that approach by the Polish Government. We need to begin to speak with the Commission about how best to do that effectively.

See this speech in context