John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's strong comments in calling out UEFA and stating that it was cowardice on its behalf to fudge this issue and declare it as an issue of politics when, fundamentally, this is an issue of equality and human rights. I share the commentary with the Minister. It was cowardice. UEFA has missed an opportunity and has abdicated responsibility on this issue.

To get back to the issue in terms of Hungary and where we started with this conversation, there needs to be consequences for the draconian powers and legislation which the Hungarian Government has enacted. The European Commissioner for Equality, Ms Helena Dalli, said that the EU could impose funding restrictions on Hungary over this legislation. Can the Minister state whether that is something we would support? Could he expand on that? While the imposition of sanctions or financial restrictions on Hungary are important, that is only part of what needs to be done because the hate stoked up by politicians like Orbán needs to be tackled. We must do it by showing solidarity in this Parliament and standing together to face this down wherever it arises.

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