Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
33. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on the situation concerning the case of an Irish citizen (details supplied) detained in Iraq and his Departments work in providing consular assistance for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted that the citizen returned to Ireland yesterday where he was reunited with his wife and three young children.
This was the outcome which I, along with my officials in Dublin and our Embassy in Jordan had been steadfastly working towards since his detention on February 26.
I had a number of very constructive conversations with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Iraq on this case.
I was in regular contact with the citizen's family throughout and met with his wife this week in Government Buildings.
I think we can all appreciate the immense emotional toll which the past ten days have had on the entire family. I have no doubt that yesterday’s reunion brought them great happiness, but I am conscious it will take some time to fully come to terms with what they have gone through as a family.
As we continue to see an increase in complex consular cases right across the globe, this week's developments are a reminder of just how important our diplomatic footprint is. In times like this, having a diplomatic presence and an effective network is crucial.
