Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2015
257. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts he has made in relation to a person (details supplied) who is facing a 12-year prison sentence in the Philippines, without a fair trial; the consular services that are available to the person; the representations his Department has made in relation to corrupt practices in the judicial system in the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/15]
View answerMy Department is aware of this case and has provided consular assistance to the citizen and their family since July 2013.
The Embassy of Ireland in Singapore, which is accredited to the Philippines, as well as the Honorary Consulate General in Manila have provided ongoing assistance to this citizen, including providing a list of lawyers; making representations to the prison service on the citizen's welfare after the person was detained; and facilitating the safe retrieval of personal belongings after the person's release on bail.
The Embassy has made representations in relation to this case to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila and has requested information on the timeframe for the appeals process.
It is important to bear in mind the role of the Irish Government where citizens are imprisoned abroad. When an Irish citizen is charged with an offence under the laws of a foreign country, it is the foreign laws that apply and it is the relevant foreign court that decides matters such as bail and release. It is not possible for the Irish Government to intervene directly in matters before foreign courts.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide appropriate consular assistance to the citizen and their family.
