Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
144. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he will take to ensure justice for the family of Michaela McAreavey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36941/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very conscious of the terrible ordeal that this family has suffered in the aftermath of Michaela’s murder, through the long period of waiting for the trial, and then the trial itself which had been expected to last 2 weeks but in fact went on for nearly 8 weeks. Throughout this dreadful period both the McAreavey and Harte families have borne their terrible grief with great dignity. Throughout their ordeal the family received every consular assistance required, both from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and from our Embassy in South Africa which is also accredited to Mauritius.
I know the verdict in the case further deepened the dismay of the family that no one had been made accountable for the murder of Michaela and that justice has not been served in this case. The subsequent publication of photographs of Michaela in a Mauritian newspaper caused real and justified outrage throughout Ireland. Our Ambassador to South Africa and Mauritius, Brendan McMahon travelled to Mauritius to convey to the Government of Mauritius the deep sense of shock and outrage in Ireland at what had happened in this case.
The Ambassador subsequently met with Prime Minister, Ramgoolam and with Foreign Minister Boolell. The Ambassador received the assurance that the Mauritian authorities are fully conscious of their responsibilities in the case. A dreadful murder has taken place and it is the responsibility of the Government of Mauritius to do all it can to arrest those guilty of the murder, to place them on trial and to secure a conviction. With this in mind, the case is now being reinvestigated by a specially appointed new team of detectives. This is being done in the context of the Mauritian Government’s request to their Director of Public Prosecutions to consider establishing a special judicial review to look into this case.
In sum therefore, they have provided us with the assurance that the case is not closed and that they are taking a fresh look at every aspect of the case. I will of course ensure that our Embassy in South Africa continues to liaise with the relevant authorities in Mauritius and closely monitors the progress of this new investigation. I and my officials will of course keep the family briefed on any and all developments.
