Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome those in the Public Gallery, particularly the Spanish ambassador, representatives from Spain and visitors from Catalonia who are showing a particular interest in the debate this afternoon. I start my contribution today by saying I am acutely conscious that we are discussing an issue that is a very sensitive, legal and constitutional matter for the Spanish Government, its people and the region of Catalonia. This is important as I do not believe that it is appropriate for any party here in the Dáil to attempt to manipulate or pretend that there is a simple solution to what is a very volatile and complex situation in Spain. We would not appreciate it if members of the Spanish Parliament tried to lecture us on what was or was not legal in Bunreacht na hÉireann. With the impact of social media and recent coverage, there is a risk of an over-simplification of what is happening in Spain and in Catalonia. We must delve into a deeper analysis and to try to encourage a legal pathway and process for the people of Catalonia. This will only be facilitated with the agreement of the Spanish Government. As a democratic country, we have to stand by legal and constitutional principles. It is only the people of Spain as a whole can decide on their own constitution. We know this from our own Constitution and the many referenda we hold here.

As the Minister has outlined, Ireland has a very close relationship with Spain. Spain is very well known to us. There are nearly two million trips by Irish people to Spain every year and many thousands of Spanish students spend their summers here and get to understand our culture and country. We share many traits. Like us, Spain has had a diverse and proud history. All of this feeds into the passionate beliefs on both sides of the Catalonia-Spanish divide. Catalonia has been part of Spain since the 15th century and Catalan identity has always been part of Spanish cultural history. Initially, it was very tightly integrated into Spanish identity but in the middle of the 19th century, there was a renewed sense of Catalan identity. Catalans have their own language in addition to Spanish and under Catalan law, all teachers, doctors and public sector workers are required to use Catalan as well as Spanish. When Spain became a republic in 1931, very soon after our own independence, Catalonia was given broad autonomy until the horrific years of General Franco, whose regime suppressed and revoked Catalan autonomy. The use of the language was also restricted. After Franco's death and many years later, the Spanish Government allowed Catalonia to reinstate its own parliament and executive and the region has extensive autonomy. There are approximately 17 regions in Spain that have various levels of autonomy.

While Catalonia is one of the wealthiest regions in Spain, it is now one of the most indebted and had to go through a great deal of austerity measures since the global collapse in 2008. Since that very difficult economic time, the calls for independence have increased. Many citizens in Catalonia believe that region pays an awful lot of taxes to central government in Madrid and gets very little in return. It is one of the most industrious regions in Spain, has become the home of the chemical industry in Spain and also specialises in the service sector, food processing, banking and manufacturing, particularly textiles.

In 2010, the Spanish constitutional court set limits to the people's or the executive call for "nationhood". In my view, this has - naturally, some would say - fuelled further calls for increased sovereignty and independence. However, it was a ruling of the Spanish constitutional court and that cannot be selectively interpreted or ignored.

As fellow constitutional democrats, we know how difficult calls for independence are dealt with. We saw in recent years the long and detailed process the Scottish Parliament went through to allow a referendum on independence which was narrowly defeated in 2015. The media have rightly highlighted the most recent referendum and the violence that took place over three weeks ago. Anybody who was watching the reports was appalled by the unnecessary high-handedness of the Spanish police. The injuries are to be condemned and are unacceptable. I welcome that Prime Minister Rajoy has admitted mistakes were made at that time. We cannot ignore the fact the referendum was not legal under the Spanish constitution. It was not a referendum like we would have in Ireland because before it was taken and right up to polling day the Spanish Government was at pains to point out it was unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

Public opinion is divided on seeking independence in Catalonia. The percentage of people who voted in the referendum was just over 40%. While the majority voted for independence, the number that did not vote cannot be ignored. We have to put the turnout in context. It is very unfortunate that following the recent referendum there seems to be a stand-off between the Spanish Government and the Catalan regional Government. While independence may be what many citizens want, it will only be properly achieved through consultation and agreement with the Spanish Government. Many in Catalonia want to remain in Spain. It ill behoves any group or party, in Spain or outside, to try to dictate otherwise. It will only add to and increase existing tensions. It would be a retrograde step to jeopardise the current regional autonomy and may allow the situation to be inflamed. It is only Spanish citizens who can determine their preferred constitutional and political arrangements through their own democratic institutions. Free and fair legal elections in Catalonia would allow people a truly democratic mechanism to express their views and reaffirm their right to have a say in how Spain and Catalonia proceed. A unilateral exit by Catalonia from Spain will only have negative social, political and legal ramifications. I and my party believe that a peaceful pathway with external assistance, if necessary, will achieve a non-violent resolution by all sides.

The next number of days are critical and the path ahead uncertain. We have been calling for all sides to show restraint and to refrain from actions or words that would only serve to aggravate the situation further. Support therefore should be given to efforts that encourage dialogue and facilitate the stabilisation of existing relationships. As a country that has experienced its own conflict, we know first hand how important support, dialogue and diplomacy are in such trying times and the benefits that dialogue can bring. Our history shows us that even in the most difficult situations compromise can be reached. The European Union and its institutions, where practical and feasible, should use its influence to try to de-escalate tension in the country. The stability of Spain is in all our collective interests and in the collective interest of every citizen of the European Union.

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