Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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409. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent developments in Poland; the efforts being made by the EU and the international community to try and protect the rule of law in Poland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35858/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The European Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Dialogue has been ongoing between the European Commission and Poland regarding the Rule of Law since January 2016. At the General Affairs Council on 16 May last, Ireland along with a number of other Member States, stressed the importance of the Rule of Law and urged renewed dialogue between Poland and the Commission, with a view to reaching a solution to this matter.

Most recently, the Commission at its meeting on 19 July expressed grave concerns about certain recent draft legislation regarding the judiciary in Poland, and I note the most recent developments in Poland.

The Commission will return to the issue again at their next meeting on Wednesday, 26 July and it is my hope that the issue can be resolved through dialogue.