Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

It is important that we in this House recognise it is a matter for Spain and the Spanish Government as to how to respond. If one lesson was learned in the Northern Ireland peace process, to which the Deputy referred, it is very much that the initiative needs to be left to the countries concerned. In the first instance, this is now a matter for the Spanish Government. Prior to the general election, all of the political parties in Spain welcomed the statement. As I stated, it is a matter for the Spanish Government to reflect on how the issue is to be taken forward. As a State and Government, the first thing that we need to do is recognise that this is a matter for Spain.

The declaration made in San Sebastian was a non-governmental statement made by individuals who were drawing on their own experience and acting in their individual capacities. As I stated, the declaration has a number of elements. It made the point that if an announcement of a cessation of violence were made, it requested the Governments of Spain and France to welcome it, which they have done, and accept the initiation of talks with a view to dealing exclusively with the consequences of the conflict. The statement goes on to deal with a number of other elements of the conflict but as I said, that is a matter for the Spanish Government to reflect on and to respond.

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