Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
579. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the case of a person (details supplied); if he has discussed the matter with the Chinese Ambassador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20470/20]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that we are providing consular assistance to this citizen, through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, and through our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai.
Our focus has been on supporting the citizen’s consular needs, particularly his health and welfare, while he and his legal team seek to resolve any outstanding legal matters with the local authorities. Our Consul General in Shanghai has been meeting regularly with the citizen since last year, when we were first informed of the case, and is providing all possible support and advice.
I can further advise that the case has been raised several times at diplomatic level with the relevant authorities, including with the Embassy of China to Ireland. This engagement has highlighted the humanitarian aspects of the case, and the importance of the citizen returning home as soon as possible.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to discuss the details of any individual consular case, nor to comment on matters pertaining to a legal process in another jurisdiction. However I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the citizen until he is permitted to return to Ireland.
