Consular Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2014

Thursday, 13 November 2014

Ceisteanna (189)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

189. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if assistance will be provided by his Department to the proprietors of an Irish company that has had for a number of years ongoing and serious business difficulties abroad (details supplied); if he will ensure that the interests of this family will be pursued with the relevant authorities in that country as outlined in correspondence to his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43667/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As has been advised in previous correspondence, this case is currently under consideration in the United Arab Emirates’ legal system. As such, my Department is restricted in what it can appropriately do and it may be more helpful for the family to seek expert advice from their lawyers.

Nevertheless, officials of my department both in Dublin and at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, will continue to monitor the situation, offer consular assistance as appropriate and periodically seek updates from the relevant authorities on progress in the case. The details of all material updates will be forwarded to the family, as and when the department is informed of them by the relevant authorities of the United Arab Emirates.