Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for those supplementary remarks. It is difficult to effect an easy resolution because the country is not party to the Hague Convention and the difficulty dealing with the abducting spouse. A situation of this nature can only be dealt with properly through the courts and that is why the consular assistance service has made available a list of suitable lawyers, which has not yet been taken up to the parents involved. The offer of a meeting with the two fathers has been made. When the fathers return to Ireland, I would be more than happy to arrange for them to meet the most appropriate official here.