Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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38. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increased repression in Spain, in particular the increased state repression against migrants and their supporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28060/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The humane approach of Spain to migration was evident in the recent decision of its Government to allow the Aquariusto dock at Valencia port and to permit over 600 migrants to disembark. There has been an increase in migration into Spain in recent months. So far this year over 10,000 migrants have arrived via the so-called Western Mediterranean Route. The represents an increase of over 50% compared with the same period last year. We are not aware of any reports of repression of migrants and their supporters.

There were reports in some Spanish media of a specific case which arose in 2010 involving a national from a South American country. As this case is the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings, it would not be appropriate for me to comment.