Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the status of efforts being made by the EU to ensure that the rule of law and European principles and ideals are being adhered to in Poland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50372/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The European Union is a community of shared values, committed to defending democracy, human rights and the rule of law. At both the May and September General Affairs Councils, Ireland along with a large number of other Member States, stressed the importance of the Rule of Law and urged renewed dialogue between Poland and the Commission. I hope that progress can be made through further dialogue between Poland and the Commission, with a view to resolving this issue.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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240. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the status of efforts being made by the EU to ensure that the rule of law and European principles and ideals are being adhered to in Hungary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50373/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The European Union is a community of shared values, committed to defending democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The current situation in Hungary was extensively debated in the European Parliament on 26 April last, at which time the First Vice-President of the European Commission Timmermans and Prime Minister Orbán made extensive contributions to the debate.

Fundamental values and the rule of law are a shared EU interest and call for a common approach. Ireland is supportive of the approach being taken by the European Commission in relation to developments in Hungary. The Hungarian Government has consistently made clear its willingness to engage with the Commission and I look forward to the outcome of that process.