Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am a little concerned about the talk of a compromise position because what was already agreed with the European Parliament was, in effect, a compromise position. It is a limited provision. It is important that we stand firm on the very limited provisions agreed given the attacks on press freedom, the independence of the judiciary, civil society organisations and the LGBT community, including through the establishment of so-called LGBT-free zones in Poland. Given the gravity of the situation and the importance of insisting that democratic and human rights are upheld in all parts of the European Union, we cannot countenance breaches of the rule of law anywhere within the EU. Instead of talking about a further compromise or diminution of the provision, does the Minister not agree that we need to stand our ground? There has been slippage for ten years and it is time for the European Union to stand its ground.

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