Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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149. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been brought to the case of a person facing charges for organising a Pride march in Hungary (details supplied); the steps she is taking at European Union level to prevent this direct attack on fundamental freedoms; if she will call for infringement procedures and interim measures to be taken to ensure that this case does not go ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68668/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Ireland continually raised 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. We are closely monitoring the situation and continue to engage with the European Commission and EU Member States, including in relation to the banning of Budapest Pride as well as Pécs Pride.

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, which has one year, extendable by six months, to decide whether to suspend or terminate the proceedings, or to formalise charges. Together with other likeminded Embassies in Budapest, the Irish Embassy, which sent a representative to the Pécs event,  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.

Ireland remains committed to working constructively with the European Commission and other Member States to ensure that EU law is upheld and that concerns are addressed in accordance with the Treaties. I believe that the best approach is to work with the suite of instruments available in the EU's Rule of Law toolbox, and I look forward to these being further strengthened. However, we will keep all available actions under review.