Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
46. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department can provide an update on a case (details supplied); his plans to assist the family in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10958/24]
View answer57. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on a case (details supplied), whose two sons are being held in Egypt by their father without her consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11139/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 57 together.
I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance.
I appreciate that the circumstances of this case are very difficult for all concerned.
I have engaged directly with my counterpart in the jurisdiction in question on this matter and I subsequently met with the citizen concerned and provided clear advice. In addition, the Embassy of Ireland has engaged with the relevant Ministry of Justice on the matter and has provided advice to the citizen accordingly.
Departmental and Embassy officials have advised the citizen, since the case began, to engage with a local lawyer to best advise on the laws as they pertain to the relevant jurisdiction. The Embassy of Ireland has also liaised with other EU Embassies, whose citizens have been in similar circumstances, in the context of the consular advice being given to the citizen.
The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot intervene in legal or custodial matters but my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to the citizen where possible and appropriate.
