Consular Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Questions (1207)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1207. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the particulars of the case of an Irish citizen currently held in custody in Spain (details supplied) without charge; if consular assistance has been provided to the person; if he has sought assurances from his Spanish counterpart that every effort to establish the facts of the case to reach a conclusion is being undertaken by the Spanish police; if not, if he will commit to raising the matter with his Spanish counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34197/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department is aware of this individual’s case and has been offering consular assistance to the individual from the outset. I am informed that the Consular Manager from the Embassy of Ireland in Madrid has been in direct contact with the individual and, in addition, that assistance has been provided from the Honorary Consul in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, including a personal visit by the Honorary Consul to the individual in prison. My Department and our Embassies abroad are generally precluded from becoming directly involved in legal matters of this kind, which concern the judicial processes of another country. Any concerns regarding the conduct of the legal case against the individual are a matter for his solicitors to address with the competent authorities.

My Department and in particular the Embassy of Ireland in Madrid will continue to offer the individual appropriate consular assistance.