One of our Government members says he believes in Catalan independence, but it has to be peaceful.

Junior Enterprise Minister John Halligan is contradicting the Taoiseach who claimed Ireland wouldn't recognise the result of the Catalonian referendum which voted in favour of separating from Spain.

The region's sacked President is due to make a public appearance in Belgium today after being charged with rebellion.

Carles Puigdemont's lawyer claims his client is in high spirits.

Spain's state prosecutor has called for the disputed leader to face charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds.

John Halligan says he's on his side; 'I believe in Catalonian independence. I believe they have their own identity, culture and heritage and it goes way back hundreds of years'.