Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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75. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how Ireland engaged with the European Commission during the development of the Democracy Shield; and if he will outline any concerns Ireland raised about the protection of free expression. [64234/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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76. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the obligations expected of Ireland under the Democracy Shield, including any monitoring, reporting or participation requirements. [64235/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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77. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will be required to take part in shared EU systems for identifying or reviewing online information; and how national control over decisions that affect domestic political debate will be maintained. [64236/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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78. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how the Government assessed the Democracy Shield against the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity; and if he will provide the criteria used in this assessment. [64237/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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79. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how the Democracy Shield will interact with existing EU legislation such as the Digital Services Act 2024 and the Electoral Integrity Package; and the implications of this for Ireland. [64238/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79 together.

Ireland has engaged constructively with the European Commission throughout the development of the European Democracy Shield (EDS), submitting a comprehensive national contribution in August 2025 following the Commission's Member State consultation process. Ireland's engagement has been characterised by a distinctive rights-centred approach that places freedom of expression and fundamental rights at the core of our position.

Regarding free expression concerns, Ireland has consistently emphasised that the EDS must be grounded in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and respect democracy and rule of law principles. Our submission explicitly stated that effective protection of our information space can and must be achieved while defending fundamental rights, including freedom of expression. The submission stressed that everyone has the right to hold opinions and impart ideas without interference by public authorities, though this freedom carries duties and responsibilities.

The EDS framework will require enhanced co-ordination on counter-disinformation efforts, participation in EU-wide crisis management protocols, and support for civil society resilience programmes. However, Ireland has emphasised that measures must respect Member States' competence regarding electoral administration and media regulation, with EU action complementing rather than replacing national efforts.

Concerning shared systems, Ireland's position is clear: national competence over electoral processes and media regulation must be maintained. We have advocated for approaches tailored to varying threat landscapes across Member States, with implementation respecting existing national institutional frameworks including bodies such as the Electoral Commission and Coimisiún na Meán.

Ireland will assess any proposals arising from the EDS for compliance with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity.

Regarding interaction with existing legislation, the EDS complements existing EU instruments, such as the Digital Services Act, Electoral Integrity Package, and related frameworks. The EDS will build on the existing robust policy and legal framework while avoiding duplication and ensuring coherence across the regulatory landscape.