Foreign Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Ceisteanna (128, 131)

John Brady

Ceist:

128. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the barring of the Catalan President from public office; if the issue will be raised with his EU counterparts. [28452/20]

Martin Browne

Ceist:

131. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the removal from office of the Catalan President for the crime of disobedience to the Spanish state; his views on the fact that he is the third successive Catalan president to be removed from office by the Spanish authorities; and the steps the Government has taken and will take to support democratic politics in Catalonia. [28467/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 131 together.

I am aware of the recent verdict of the Spanish Supreme Court against the former President of the Catalan region in connection with disobeying an instruction from the Electoral Commission to remove political symbols from public buildings during an election campaign.

As in Ireland, we respect the separation of powers in Spain and it would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment beyond noting that in this case, as in the cases relating to the two previous regional leaders, the Court addressed issues relating to Spanish law.

The freedom to express contesting views is essential in any democracy, including our own. However, at the same time it is important that differences of opinion are contested with full respect for the law, and the rights of all citizens.

With regard to the broader situation in Catalonia, I know that the Spanish Government maintains dialogue with different strands of political opinion there. This Government’s position remains that the constitutional and political arrangements in Spain are matters to be determined by their own citizens, through their own institutions, and in keeping with the rule of law. As I have stated before, Ireland respects the constitutional and territorial unity of Spain.

Question No. 129 answered with Question No. 122.