Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not depart from what has been long-standing tradition in the House and in the country of commenting in a way the Deputy invites me. On a more general issue, the Government continues to support and encourage all efforts aimed at securing peace and stability in the Basque region. As Deputy Barry is aware, we welcomed the declaration by ETA in October 2011 that the organisation had decided on what it described as a definitive cessation of its armed activity. I welcome this and will continue to encourage all those involved to build on this step, engage and work for a long-term political solution and lasting peace and reconciliation in the Basque area.

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