Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
451. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a person (details supplied); if he has spoken to Chinese authorities on the person's case; his plans to ensure the person's safe return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42585/21]
View answerThis is a complex case involving an Irish citizen who has been prevented from leaving China since March 2019. My Department has been providing ongoing consular assistance to the citizen since that time through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai, while he and his legal teams work on the legal, commercial and financial issues through the appropriate channels. Our Consul General has met and engaged very regularly with the citizen, and continues to provide all possible consular advice and support.
There has also been extensive and regular engagement at the most senior political and diplomatic level with the Chinese authorities in Beijing and Shanghai, and with the Embassy of China in Dublin, in relation to the humanitarian aspects of this case, and the importance of the citizen being allowed to return home as soon as possible. During my visit to China in May this year I discussed the case with a view to achieving a resolution of the matter.
As the Deputy will appreciate, as with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details of the case. 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.
