Foreign Conflicts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016

Friday, 16 September 2016

Ceisteanna (861)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

861. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether he is aware that a person (details supplied) has been barred from seeking election to the Basque Parliament in upcoming elections in the Basque country; his views on the fact that the constitutional court of Spain has chosen to uphold a decision by the election commission to deny the person the right to seek office in elections; and his views on whether the judgment is an unhelpful decision that undermines democracy and the Basque peace process. [26302/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

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

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.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the internal judicial processes of another EU member State.