Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Detention of Irish Citizen.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

437 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns being expressed in Tallaght regarding the treatment of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24, who was held without charge for several weeks at a prison in Ibiza; if his attention has further been drawn to the huge anxiety for this person's family; the assistance his Department is now affording the person's family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20161/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I am aware of this case to which the Deputy refers. Since the arrest of the person in question my Department has been active in providing consular assistance to him and to representatives of his family. He has been visited in prison by a consular official from the honorary consul in Palma de Mallorca.

Most recently, and following intervention by the Irish embassy in Madrid, his mother has been granted two family prison visits during her one week stay in Ibiza. This is an exception to the normal prison regulations that allow for one family visit per month. The Irish embassy is continuing to liaise with his mother to ensure that she receives every assistance from the prison authorities.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department, through the consular section in Dublin and the Irish embassy in Madrid, and the honorary consul in Palma de Mallorca, will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the person in question and to his family.