Diplomatic Representation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (130)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recourse or assistance available to the family of an Irish passport holder who is found dead in a foreign country and whose manner of death as outlined by that country's police is contradicted by a highly regarded and competent investigator; if there are any requirements on the Irish Government to take up the case on a government to government basis and insist on a new and impartial investigation into the entire circumstances of the Irish citizen's death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47055/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers, which occurred in Botswana in 2006. My Department through the Embassy of Ireland in Maputo and the Consular Assistance Section in Dublin has provided consular assistance to the family of the deceased following his death and throughout the subsequent investigations. I wish to advise the Deputy that following the 2007 report of the initial investigation by Botswana Police and an inquest held in the Coroners court in Mallow in 2007, the case was reviewed by the Botswana Department of Defence, Justice and Security. The Report of the Review issued in 2011 took account of the report of the private investigator, to which the Deputy refers. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not appropriate for this Department to request a further investigation in this case, however, if the family wish to write a letter of complaint to the Botswana authorities, my Department will follow up on this. The family may wish to engage a lawyer in Botswana if they intend to pursue this case through the legal system in that country.

My Department remains available to provide consular assistance to the family.