Consular Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2017

Thursday, 16 November 2017

Ceisteanna (111)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which his attention has been drawn to the situation of a person (details supplied) imprisoned in Turkey for the alleged theft of a mobile telephone for which he was sentenced to seven and a half years; if contact has been made with the authorities there with the objective of appealing the sentence or repatriation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48668/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Irish Embassy in Ankara and our Honorary Consulate in Antalya has been providing extensive consular assistance to this Irish citizen since his detention in July of this year. While a sentence of 6 years and 3 months has been handed down, I understand that an appeal is now underway in this case. The conduct of an appeal is a matter for the citizen’s legal representatives and the Irish Government has no role in a matter such as this which is before the courts in another jurisdiction.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to this citizen.

Questions relating to prisoners being repatriated to Ireland to serve their sentences are a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality.