Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This situation is, of course, regrettable. None of us were happy to see the violence and clashes shown on our television screens. I acknowledge and welcome the Minister's reference in his speech to there being no place in a democracy for violence. They are wise words and it is important they are put on the record of the Dáil. It is also important that in this situation politics and negotiation works. I have great regard for my colleagues in the Sinn Féin Party and all the other parties that worked for many years to bring about a resolution to the difficulties we had in Ireland. We have proved that politics, negotiations and agreements can work. As a result of that work, lives are being saved every day. We would like to see similar compromises and agreements between the Catalonian people and the Spanish Government.

I welcome this debate as it provides us with an opportunity to thrash out this issue and allows people to express their views. Nobody should be derogatory of one side or the other. We should seek compromise and agreement on a framework for the future. I could not let this opportunity pass without acknowledging that for 28 years my late mother spent three months of every winter in Spain. She made many great friends there and was thought of very highly. That is my affiliation and association and people can take what they like from that information.

I reject violence and clashes in the streets. I want to see people negotiating, taking the lead from other parts of Europe that have had difficulties and resolved them through dialogue and politics. That is the proper thing to do. Hopefully, there will be a resolution to the current difficulties in the near future.

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