Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I, too, wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the family of the former Senator, Deputy Shane Ross, on the passing of his father. I assume the normal protocols will apply and there will be an opportunity at a future stage to pay tribute to a former Member. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

I ask the Leader to take note of the concern about the increasingly repressive nature of the Hungarian Government and the manner in which this now poses a real threat to the fundamental democratic ideals that inspired the European Union, and membership of same of countries such as Ireland. I am grateful to The Irish Times, in particular to Daniel McLoughlin, who yesterday gave a comprehensive overview of what is going on in Hungary. For the information of the House, the EU is currently threatening legal action against the Hungarian Government because of its increasingly anti-democratic measures, especially in light of the fact it is attempting to dismantle hitherto independent institutions such as its central bank by appointing its own people, thereby compromising the independence of the bank.

I am more concerned, however, by the attacks on the media in Hungary. Mr. McLaughlin stated: "The constitution introduced on New Year's Day removes a host of checks and balances on Prime Minister Orbán's power, places many formerly independent institutions under government control and makes it extremely hard for future administrations to reverse the changes he has made". He goes on to state that a journalist, Nagy Navarro, is currently camping outside the parliament in protest at the shutting down of one of the few independent radio stations in Budapest, Klubradio. "Despite its being one of the most popular talk radio stations in the country the media authority run by Orbán loyalists has refused to renew its broadcasting licence and it is expected to close next month. In another heavy-handed move a leading news website has been banned from parliament for mocking MPs in a satirical song".