Election Monitoring Missions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2017

Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Questions (163)

Paul Murphy

Question:

163. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the preliminary statements issued by two election observation research missions that were in attendance at the independence referendum in Catalonia held on 1 October 2017; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that a number of Irish election roster observers took place on these missions; if he will invite them to attend a debriefing session to give first-hand evidence of the events they observed on referendum day including armed masked men entering polling stations to prevent voting happening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45171/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware that a number of public representatives participated as observers at the independence referendum in Catalonia on 1st October last. Neither of the election observation research missions, to which the Deputy refers, have submitted a report to me or my Department. Should they do so, these will be given appropriate attention.

As regards the events of 1 October, I share the dismay felt by many in Ireland and elsewhere at the violent incidents. Violence has no place in politics.