Finian McGrath
Question:1161. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30431/15]
View answerTuesday, 22 September 2015
Questions (1161, 1163)
Clare Daly
Question:1163. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assistance and consular services made available to a person (details supplied) from County Cork who has been sentenced to 12 years in jail in the Philippines, and how he proposes to assist this person who claims to be the victim of a miscarriage of justice. [30440/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1161 and 1163 together.
The Embassy of Ireland in Singapore, which is accredited to the Philippines, as well as the Honorary Consulate General in Manila and the Consular Assistance Unit of my Department in Dublin have provided ongoing assistance to this citizen and their family since July 2013. This assistance has included 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 continues to make representations to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila in relation to this case and has sought 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 on matters such as bail.
Further information on the consular role of the Department is available on our website www.dfa.ie. However, I would like to reassure the Deputy that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the citizen and their family.
Question No. 1162 answered with Question No. 1159.
Question No. 1163 answered with Question No. 1161.