Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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17. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the issue of the jailing of members of the Catalan Government and other repressive measures with the Spanish ambassador or with the Spanish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48320/17]

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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20. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the fact that two Catalan civil society activists remain in jail in Spain awaiting trial on charges of sedition for organising peaceful and democratic public demonstrations (details supplied); his views on whether the Spanish Government’s decision to dismiss the Catalan Government, dissolve the parliament and bring serious charges against Ministers with a democratic mandate is undemocratic and counterproductive; and if he will raise his concerns regarding these decisions with his Spanish counterpart. [48398/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 20 together.

We are all concerned about the crisis in Catalonia.

Ireland respects the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain and we do not accept or recognise the Catalan Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Any decision on a question as important as independence requires legitimacy both in the broadest possible political terms and in terms of the legal framework.

The resolution of the current crisis needs to be within Spain's constitutional framework and through Spain's democratic institutions. It is for all Spaniards – all Catalans and all Spaniards – to shape their own constitutional and political arrangements, through their own democratic institutions and laws.

Ireland supports efforts to resolve this crisis through lawful and peaceful means. I have made these points to both Foreign Minister Dastis, when I met him at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday and the Spanish Ambassador when I spoke to him recently.

Elections have been called for 21 December in which all of the parties can participate and which will give all Catalans a voice.

Measures have been taken to limit regional autonomy. I hope that after the elections, regional autonomy can be restored.

I am aware that judicial proceedings are underway and as these are matters before the Courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment.

We will continue to monitor closely developments in the period ahead and to maintain open lines of communication with the Spanish authorities at all levels.