Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2017
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish persons serving prison sentences throughout the Middle East; the extent to which this situation continues to be monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48669/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides consular assistance to any Irish citizen imprisoned overseas who requests such assistance. My Department provides direct assistance in many cases, through consular visits and practical advice and assistance to individual detainees, and also works indirectly to support Irish prisoners through our partnership with the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO), which receives funding from our Emigrant Support programme, and which provides a range of supports for Irish men and women imprisoned around the world.
Support and assistance in all such cases is provided in a non-judgemental way, irrespective of the offence for which the citizen has been accused or convicted.
At any one time there are approximately 1,200 Irish Citizens in prisons overseas, including both those on remand and those who have been through a trial process and are serving sentences.
There are cases where Irish citizens choose not to exercise their right to be in contact with their local Embassy or Consulate. There are also cases, unfortunately, where some authorities in third countries fail to notify our consular officials of the detention of our citizens. Consequently, we are not able to say definitively the number of Irish persons imprisoned in any country or region at any precise moment.
The Department and/or the ICPO are currently aware of two Irish Citizens who are in prisons in countries in the Middle East region.
I would also note in this context that there are severe limitations under international law to what the Irish Government can do in the case of dual nationals imprisoned abroad, particularly if they are detained in the country of their other citizenship. In these circumstances my Department cannot demand consular access.
If the deputy is concerned about any specific case, I would be happy to look into it if he wishes to pass on the details to my office.
