Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did discuss with the Spanish Prime Minister, Mr. Rajoy, the particular circumstances and the special situation which applies in Northern Ireland. It is different in Spain's case with Gibraltar in that when Spain joined the European Union, Gibraltar was with Britain. Any issues that arise will be between Spain and Britain. In respect of Catalonia, as the Deputy pointed out, it is illegal to hold a referendum on separation under the Spanish system.

I discussed with the Spanish Prime Minister the set-up his Government has to deal with. It is similar to what we had here where a majority Government existed previously. However, Spain had two elections in ten months and much waiting for negotiations. I said to the Spanish Prime Minister that it requires a different kind of operation and to think differently to reach out to parties and individuals, as well as to do business as it might not have been done before. I also pointed out to him that, in respect of Deputy Micheál Martin’s party, we had been able to put together a confidence and supply agreement which does not apply in Spain. He was interested in that. Maybe they have been working on it since we left.

In respect of the special status, he answered a question publicly afterwards that he was very much aware of the situation in so far as Northern Ireland is concerned and would be continuing to support that from a European perspective through the peace process.

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