Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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18. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received a briefing from his ambassador in Brazil regarding the suspension of the President of Brazil, Ms Dilma Rousseff, and the subsequent withdrawal of a number of Latin American ambassadors from Brazil. [11950/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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My Department is closely following developments in Brazil in light of the ongoing political situation, including the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff and our Embassy in Brazil provides regular reporting on the latest developments and their possible repercussions. The events are also the subject of ongoing discussion at EU level in Brussels.

Ireland and our EU partners share the view that the current political situation in Brazil, including the suspension of President Rousseff, is a matter for the legislative and judicial branches of that country. Consequently it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the constitutional process currently underway in Brazil, other than to assure the Deputy that we will continue to follow the situation closely.

In addition to the ongoing political reporting provided by our Ambassador and Embassy, a key priority for Irish officials in Brazil is to prepare for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games in Rio de Janeiro. Ireland will open a temporary consulate in the city for the duration of the games in order to provide assistance to Irish athletes, officials and spectators, as required.