Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact the Tánaiste met yesterday with Emma and Jake DeSouza and a number of political representatives. I acknowledge and commend his work on the case up to now. The Tánaiste's comments that no one should have to go to court to assert their rights to be identified as Irish or British citizens, and their right to be respected, are also welcome and bring clarity from the Irish Government to this case.

This rights case goes to the heart of the citizenship section of the Good Friday Agreement. The agreement is crystal clear on the terms of citizenship. Emma DeSouza is an Irish citizen and it is unacceptable that she should have to go to court to prove it. I know the Irish Government's support is appreciated but, given the fact the British Home Office continues to drag Ms DeSouza through the courts, continued Irish support and defence of the rights of Irish citizens is vital. It would not be unprecedented for an Irish Government to support an Irish citizen who is trying to assert their rights. I again appeal for the Irish Government to do whatever it can in this regard. It is long past time the British amended their laws in regard to citizenship provisions. We all know citizenship and identity provisions are central to the Good Friday Agreement.

The Tánaiste has raised the case with the British Government. What does he believe should happen next? What is the next step we should expect from the British Government?

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