Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

40. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent developments in Hungary and the fact that the Prime Minister can now rule by decree for an indefinite period of time; the actions taken by the EU in response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5509/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The rule of law, democracy and respect for fundamental rights are core principles of the EU. It is precisely during a time of crisis such as this that all EU Member States should stick to these shared values.

The first annual Rule of Law Report is one of the major initiatives of the Commission’s Work Programme for 2020. It is part of the comprehensive European rule of law mechanism announced in the Political Guidelines of President von der Leyen, and will cover all Member States with objective annual reporting by the European Commission. The Commission’s first Report, to be published later this year, will monitor significant developments, both positive and negative, relating to the rule of law in Member States. This rule of law mechanism will act as a preventive tool, deepening dialogue and joint awareness of rule of law issues.

My Department is closely following developments in Hungary. Ireland along with 18 other EU Member States issued a Joint Statement on the Rule of Law in the context of the Covid-19 crisis on 1 April last. The Statement agreed that emergency measures should be limited to what is strictly necessary, should be proportionate and temporary in nature, subject to regular scrutiny, and respect these principles and international law obligations. Ireland and the other signatories affirmed their support for the European Commission initiative to monitor the emergency measures and their application across Member States to ensure the fundamental values of the Union are upheld.

At meetings of the General Affairs Councils, which has included hearings on Hungary under the Article 7 (TEU) procedure, Ireland has actively participated in discussions highlighting the importance of respect for the rule of law and fundamental values.

Most recently, on 22 April last, EU Ministers for European Affairs held an informal video conference to discuss the EU’s and the Member States’ response to the COVID-19 outbreak. They exchanged views on the measures taken so far, at both EU and national levels, and the importance of ensuring such measures are proportionate and respect fundamental rights and the rule of law.

Measures introduced in Ireland in response to the Covid-19 crisis are temporary and time bound. The measures have been and will remain in accordance with the laws and Constitution of Ireland. Moreover, they are in keeping with the values of the EU.

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

41. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the situation of the Rohingya, including reports that a number of Rohingya refugees are being quarantined on an unstable island in the Bay of Bengal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5510/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The situation of the Rohingya community remains precarious and of significant concern. Over 740,000 predominantly Rohingya refuges now reside in Bangladesh, having fled neighbouring Rakhine State, Myanmar, following the escalation of military operations there in 2017. There are significant numbers of people also displaced internally in Rakhine and the situation remains unstable with ongoing violence generating further displacement of civilians. The situation is also compounded by instances of COVID-19 within vulnerable communities in both Myanmar and Bangladesh (including in Cox’s Bazar Town).

Ireland, together with our EU partners, has consistently pressed for those responsible for the crimes that precipitated this crisis to be held to account and has engaged in a number of actions at international level in this regard. We are also committed to combatting the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded and to assisting Bangladesh which has shown continued generosity to the Rohingya community in the face of enormous pressure. Ireland has provided direct funding of over €3.6 million to the Rohingya crisis since 2017. A further €1m is due to be contributed to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) response in Bangladesh in 2020.

I am aware of recent reports of Rohingya people stranded in boats in the Bay of Bengal in appalling conditions. The EU has recently urged Governments in the region to provide rescue operations and assistance to these people. I am aware that Bangladesh has granted safe landing and assistance to a significant number of those concerned and that some have been relocated to Bhasan Char Island. Ireland urges all Governments in the region to provide safe landing, assistance and shelter in safe and sustainable living conditions to these refugees, in coordination with the relevant UN agencies.

Ireland will continue to work with our EU and other international partners to press for a long-term sustainable resolution to the Rohingya crisis that will provide a pathway for the safe, sustainable, dignified, and voluntary return of the Rohingya refugees to their places of origin and for ensuring full accountability for the crimes committed against them.