Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
92. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Iraqi authorities regarding the illegal detention of an Irish citizen (details supplied) and anti-corruption advocate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10383/24]
View answer94. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of a person (details supplied) who is being detained without legal explanation; if the Department is working to return this person to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10520/24]
View answer95. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to set out the representations he has made to the Iraqi authorities regarding the illegal detention of an Irish citizen and anti-corruption advocate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10531/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 94 and 95 together.
Deputy, I was very disappointed to learn that the citizen was not permitted to leave over the weekend as expected. Naturally his family, who had been eagerly anticipating his return, are deeply distressed by recent developments. I have been in regular contact with the citizen's family throughout and fully appreciate how difficult this entire situation has been for them.
From the outset, officials in my Department and our Embassy in Jordan have been actively engaged on this case, seeking urgent clarification from the relevant authorities in Baghdad. I have raised this case directly with Dr Fuad Hussein, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, a number of times and most recently over the weekend.
As the Deputy will appreciate, there is an ongoing court case, and we understand that the next hearing is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, March 5.
Let me assure you that I remain seized of this case and officials in my Department and our Embassy in Jordan will continue to provide consular assistance until the citizen is reunited with his family in Ireland.
