Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy and the House yet again that there have been ongoing and useful contacts at official level with our international partners in regard to this case. Having spoken at some length to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Julie Bishop, and to my Canadian counterparts, I am well briefed on the facts of their cases and how they differ from the circumstances of the Irish citizen involved and the approach taken by their countries. Having had those conversations, I am fully satisfied that the actions we are currently taking in pursuit of our objectives in this case are totally appropriate and focused on the best interest of the individual involved and, equally important, are more likely to facilitate a positive outcome.

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