Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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75. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the unrest in Venezuela and anti-government protests there; the way in which Ireland can support the democratically elected Administration, an Administration that is being destabilised by commercial interests and foreign regimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25451/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am concerned at the deteriorating situation in Venezuela, and in particular the reported deaths of at least 56 people in clashes between security forces and opposition demonstrators. Despite having the world’s largest proven petroleum reserves, Venezuela’s population faces a shortage of food and medicines.

While there have been long-running demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro, the most recent wave of protests began in January 2017. They worsened following two Supreme Court rulings in March rescinding the constitutional powers of the National Assembly. While these rulings were since largely reversed, it remains the case that the Court has declared the National Assembly in contempt of the Constitution and suspended its right to pass legislation. My EU counterparts and I discussed the situation in Venezuela at the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 May. Ireland and other EU member States have condemned the use of force in Venezuela and have called for the fatalities of recent weeks to be fully investigated. We have urged both the Government and opposition to seek peaceful and democratic solutions to the crisis and called on the Government to facilitate external agencies in addressing the urgent needs of the Venezuelan population.

Our view is that the establishment of a clear electoral calendar and the full restoration of the country’s democratic institutions will be critical to achieving a settlement to the crisis and we have urged the Government to engage in dialogue with the National Assembly and other involved parties.

While Ireland does not have diplomatic representation in Venezuela, officials at my Department and our accredited Embassy in Mexico will continue to follow the situation closely and use any bilateral contacts with the government or opposition to urge a peaceful settlement to the crisis.