Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Ireland enjoys very close relations with Spain. These relations are, of course, deeper and more textured than simply involving periodic government-to-government relations, developing trade ties or occasional encounters at multilateral events. Our close friendship has at its heart an empathy nurtured by generations of contacts between our people. What happens in Spain is, therefore, of great interest to their Irish friends here in this House and in the society we represent. It makes complete sense that the differing opinions we are now seeing between different institutions and citizens in Catalonia and across Spain should find reflection in different opinions in this House. This is to be expected and respected and I welcome this opportunity to set out the Government's position on this sensitive matter.

Just last month, we were all shocked and saddened by the loss of so many innocent lives and the injuries caused to so many people as a result of the horrific attacks in Catalonia. As the Taoiseach noted in his letter of support and solidarity to Spain's Prime Minister, attacks of this nature are both wanton and cowardly and have no place in our society. We must continue to work together in Europe and with the international community to challenge ideologies of hatred and to uphold the values we hold dear.

At present, we are following developments with regard to Catalonia. We have enormous regard for the Catalan people. Europe is enriched by flourishing national identities across this European Union. This richness is explicitly promoted and protected in the Treaty of the European Union. As I said earlier in the House in reply to a parliamentary question on this topic, the Government's position is that the constitutional and political arrangements in any country of the European Union are matters to be determined by their own citizens through their own democratic institutions in adherence with the rule of law.

As I said already, clearly what happens in Spain is of great interest to us but we believe the issues at hand are domestic issues. Political developments in democracies take place within a legal framework. This is what protects the rights of all of our citizens. In a reply to a Spanish MEP on this topic, the President of the European Parliament wrote recently that the rule of law is the backbone of modern pluralist societies and constitutional democracies. Respecting the rule of law and the limits it imposes on those in government is not a choice but an obligation. The Government and I share this view. I believe it is for all Spanish citizens to determine for themselves, using their democratic institutions and legal safeguards, their preferred constitutional and political arrangements. I do not consider it either appropriate or helpful that Ireland would enter the debate. I am confident that our Spanish friends can chart their own internal political developments.

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