Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to the Minister of State and the Minister for Foreign Affairs for setting out clearly Ireland's continuing support for democratic values in Georgia and making it clear to the Georgian Government that membership of the European Union will be dependent on ensuring that democracy, human rights and the rule of law are respected. I encourage the Minister for Foreign Affairs to continue with this line.If necessary, the EU should take action, including sanctions, against some of those who are engaging in democratic backsliding. This particularly applies to those who are protesting, journalists, and opposition politicians. What we are seeing happen in Georgia is deeply worrying. It is another example of Putin's attempts to influence the countries of central and eastern Europe. We need to continue to show solidarity with the people of Georgia who want democracy and human rights.