Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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34. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the current political situation in Brazil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46310/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the current political situation in Brazil, including the recent election of Jair Bolsonaro as the next President of Brazil. Officials in my Department in Dublin, at our Embassy in Brasília, and at our Consulate-General in São Paulo have been monitoring political developments closely, as well as engaging with civil society organisations and EU colleagues. Brazil is Latin America’s largest democracy and I note that, according to the head of the OAS election observation mission, former Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, the election took place in a peaceful manner and citizens were able to exercise their democratic right to vote. Ireland takes a keen interest in the region, and Ireland and Brazil have a longstanding and important relationship. There are growing numbers of our citizens living in each other’s countries, Irish companies are increasingly entering the Brazilian market, and Brazil is an important partner in trade, education and on multilateral issues.

Brazil is currently in a period of transition, before President-elect Bolsonaro and his administration assumes office on 1 January 2019. I welcome early indications from the President-elect that he will govern in strict accordance with the Brazilian constitution.

Ireland looks forward to maintaining our strong relationship with Brazil in the future and will continue efforts to advance our interests and values in our engagement with the new government. In the meantime, Ireland will continue to monitor developments closely, engaging with the outgoing and incoming administrations, our EU and other partners in Brazil and civil society organisations on the ground.