Foreign Conflicts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Questions (129)

Seán Crowe

Question:

129. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the Free Otegi, Bring all Basque Political Prisoners home campaign, which pushes for the release of Basque political prisoners, including a person (details supplied), recognising that the person is one the leaders of the Basque peace process, yet the Spanish state reacted to the peace initiatives by imprisoning him; and if he will agree, to raise the case with his Spanish counterpart; and to press the need for the Spanish Government to engage positively in the fledgling peace process. [36926/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the campaign referred to by the Deputy.

Policy on the placement and treatment of a country’s nationals in prison in the European Union is a matter for the democratically-elected government and the relevant competent authorities in each Member State in accordance with domestic, European and international law. Issues relating to Basque prisoners held in Spain are therefore a matter for the Spanish government and judiciary, and as such it would not be appropriate for me to comment in any detail on them.

With regard to the peace process, the Government continues to support and encourage all efforts aimed at securing peace and stability in the Basque Country. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government welcomed the declaration by ETA of October 2011 that the organisation had decided on “a definitive cessation of its armed activity”.

We continue to encourage all those involved to build on this step and work for a long-term political solution and lasting peace and reconciliation in the Basque Country.