Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 41 together.

My Department is monitoring closely the current political situation in Brazil, including the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff. Our embassy in Brasilia provides regular reports on the latest developments and their possible repercussions. In addition, the events in the country are also the subject of ongoing discussion at European Union level in Brussels.

Along with our European Union partners, the Government of Ireland is of the view that the current political situation in Brazil, including the suspension of President Rousseff, is a matter for the legislative and judicial branches of that country. Consequently, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the constitutional process under way in Brazil, other than to assure the Deputies that we will continue to follow and monitor the situation closely.

In addition to the ongoing political reporting provided by our ambassador and embassy, a major priority for Irish officials in Brazil is to prepare for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games in Rio de Janeiro. Ireland will open a temporary consulate in the city for the duration of the games in order to provide assistance to Irish athletes, officials and spectators, as required. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the internal legal situation in Brazil and I do not intend to do so.

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