Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018
78. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the fact that the Spanish Government is continuing to suspend home rule in Catalonia and issues (details supplied) in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14194/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am concerned about the situation in Catalonia and the civic unrest and violence that we saw this weekend and I would join with those calling for calm at this time. I am aware that judicial proceedings are under way and that nine Catalans have been remanded in custody pending trial, and the former President has been detained in Germany on foot of a European arrest warrant. As these are matters before the courts it would not be appropriate for me to comment. The future of Catalonia is a deeply divisive and contested issue. These divisions were reflected in the results of last December’s regional elections, and in the difficulties being encountered in appointing a regional President and Government. In the interim, direct rule remains in effect in accordance with the provisions of the Spanish Constitution.
I hope that it will be possible for regional parliamentarians to reach agreement on the appointment of a regional President so that a regional government can be formed. The resolution of this crisis needs to be within Spain’s constitutional framework and through Spain’s democratic institutions.
It is for all Spaniards – all Catalans and all other Spaniards – to shape their own constitutional, political and administrative arrangements, through their own democratic institutions and laws.
