Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise today to raise the extremely worrying situation in Malta and the ongoing refusal of Prime Minister Muscat to step aside and allow a proper independent investigation into what is the most flagrant breach of the rule of law in the European Union today. I specifically mention the report of a delegation of the European Parliament led by my colleague, Roberto Mazzolo, which found that there are serious concerns that led and are indirectly connected to the murder of a journalist two years ago. Malta is a partner member state in the European Union, one with which we have close relations and with which we share detailed information. Therefore, I call on the Leader to call in the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to take statements on the matter. I have already called for the Maltese ambassador to appear before the Joint Committee on European Affairs. This is something that crucially impacts all of us. It is an issue not just within an individual member state but across the EU and we in Ireland must absolutely stand side by side with the people of Malta and the rule of law across the precious European Union.