Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Hungary; the actions she will take to ensure that this situation is raised at an EU level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66738/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Ireland continuously advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ people in Hungary and throughout the world. We have consistently raised our concerns in relation to serious Rule of Law backsliding and the targeting of civil society and minority rights in Hungary, including in direct contacts with our Hungarian interlocutors.

Through the Diverse Youth Network Association, we supported Pécs Pride which took place on 4 October. Furthermore, and as an expression of our solidarity, a representative from the Embassy of Ireland was present in Pécs as an observer alongside diplomats from like-minded countries. The Pride passed peacefully under the auspices of the local authorities and where people marched in celebration of LGBTQI+ rights.

I am aware that the organiser of Pécs Pride was summoned for police questioning during which he was made aware of the potential charges on suspicion of having committed a criminal offence for organising the parade despite the police ban. Following the interview, a recommendation to press charges from the Police Department was submitted to the Prosecutor's Office.

The Prosecutor’s Office has one year, extendable by six months, to decide whether to suspend or terminate the proceedings, or to formalise charges. Together with other like-minded Embassies in Budapest, the Irish Embassy remains in ongoing contact with the organiser.

Our Ambassador to Hungary has also spoken with the Mayor of Pécs and expressed appreciation for the latter’s engagement at the Pride event.

Officials in my Department, including at the Embassy in Budapest, will continue to monitor this and other worrying developments and to raise our concerns. We will also continue to support Hungarian civil society organisations working to defend the Rule of Law and protect minority rights in Hungary, including through my Department’s Enlargement and European Fundamental Values fund.