Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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The actions of the Spanish Government in attempting to block the right of the people of Catalonia to decide their own future is disgraceful. There has been a concerted campaign by the Spanish Government to conflate what is democratic and legal. The Spanish Constitution forbids any region from breaking away to form its own state. As a State which broke away from its largest neighbour, I believe the Irish people would have much sympathy towards the people of Catalonia. While I understand the petition has been ruled out of order, I want to put on the record my belief that if Ireland or any other states are requested by the regional government of Catalonia to observe the referendum, it would be fair then to send observers.