Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Constitutional and political arrangements in Spain are matters that are best determined by its citizens and their public representatives.

Such arrangements must be determined within the framework of the constitution and the rule of law which have underpinned democracy in Spain over the past 40 years.

I have raised it with my Spanish counterpart - in fact, it was with the previous Minister before there was a change of Government, when there was huge tension in Catalonia. The Government continues to follow with interest developments in Spain, a country that is an important EU partner and friend of Ireland. I welcome the increased engagement between the Spanish Government and the regional authorities in Catalonia.

I am aware that judicial proceedings are under way and a number of individuals are awaiting trial.  As these matters go before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment politically in respect of them.

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