Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
80. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts made to have a person (details supplied) returned here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14759/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. I have already stated publicly that appropriate consular assistance is provided to all Irish citizens abroad where this is possible. We will do what can and should be done to assist Irish citizens in distress or danger overseas.
In this case, this will include facilitating a return to Ireland, not least in view of the vulnerability of the young child involved. How she and her child might return to Ireland, and how consular officials might assist, is not yet clear: the situation on the ground is dangerous, complex and evolving. Officials from different departments are working to prepare options.
The Deputy will understand that I cannot go into details about options under consideration and contacts ongoing outside of Government. These are very sensitive matters in a zone of active conflict. Speculating about options in public is not in the interests of Irish citizens, or of the partner organisations with whom officials are in contact.
