Gino Kenny
Question:379. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37487/16]
View answerTuesday, 29 November 2016
Questions (379)
Written answers
I am very much aware of the consular case in the Philippines and the very difficult circumstances in which this individual and his family find themselves.
I have personally raised my concerns with senior Philippines Government contacts, including most recently in New York in September.
For any Irish citizen subject to criminal proceedings abroad, my Department officials will offer non-judgemental advice and any appropriate practical help that they can, irrespective of the alleged offence, and regardless of whether the individual is ultimately deemed to be innocent or guilty, is on remand or has already been sentenced by a court of law.
This present case is the subject of an ongoing legal process in the Philippines. The Irish citizen, who remains on bail, has filed an appeal with the Philippines Supreme Court against his conviction and sentence. I understand that my officials in Embassy Singapore, on foot of a request from the individual concerned, are examining whether it is possible to seek to have the appeal process expedited, on humanitarian grounds.
My Department officials at headquarters in Dublin, at our Embassy in Singapore, which is accredited to the Philippines, and our Honorary Consul in Manila, have all been engaged in the case, have provided consular assistance and have raised the individual’s concerns with relevant authorities in Manila.
The citizen is in regular contact with my consular officials in Singapore and in Dublin. The Consul from our Embassy in Singapore met with the individual in person last month, officials from my Department have previously met with the wife of the individual concerned, and earlier this month officials from my Department met with a representative of the individual in Dublin.
I and my Department officials are continuing to give the matter priority attention.
Question No. 380 answered with Question No. 367.