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

We have a shared view on this issue. It is strong. Over the past decade, in particular, Ireland has in many ways opened up a debate and discussion that has been inclusive, generous and progressive. We have an obligation to try to ensure that kind of inclusive discussion also happens in other parts of the world and, if necessary, other parts of the European Union so that people's concerns, anxieties and perspectives can change and they can get the reassurance they need to change their approach on this issue.

We need to talk to other EU countries and institutions around how the EU responds to the legislation that has been passed in Hungary. We also have to work to try to build a conversation of tolerance in countries that feel the need to pass legislation like this. In many ways, through our history we have managed to move to a much more generous and modern, tolerant and inclusive space and the country is the better for it. We should be encouraging a similar pathway for other countries that have yet to make that journey.

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