Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

We will absolutely do that. I am happy to keep in direct contact with the Deputy on this issue. I cannot imagine how difficult, traumatic and upsetting a time this must be for Heather, her children and the wider Cornelius family. As I said, I do not wish to accidentally endeavour to intervene in a way that is unhelpful. That would be the worst thing to happen. We are very eager to engage with Heather to, in the first instance, discuss her perspective and experience, including her dealings with the UK authorities and the assistance they are legally bound to provide to Mr. Cornelius, which I am told they are providing, and also to explore that to see what assistance may be appropriate or helpful from Irish authorities. I will make sure that happens as quickly as possible.

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