Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)

I rise to bring the attention of the House to the prolonged incarceration of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai. His wife Heather and human rights activist Sir Bill Browder came to meet me here. In 2010, Mr. Cornelius was imprisoned for ten years. In 2018, however, that was extended by a further 20 years, bringing his total sentence to 30 years, which is the equivalent of three life sentences in Ireland. Mr. Cornelius is now in his seventies. I appeal for leniency on humanitarian grounds. His case has drawn international concern. Amnesty International has taken it on board. It is asking urgently for compassion and justice. Reports indicate that his health has deteriorated significantly. The toll on his family was evident when his wife came to meet me here in Leinster House. I ask the Leader to call on the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to engage directly with his diplomatic counterpart in the UAE and advocate for clemency. Mr. Cornelius's wife is from Northern Ireland. It is not merely a legal matter; it is a humanitarian one. Ireland and the UAE share fantastic long-standing diplomatic ties. I trust this appeal will be received in a spirit of goodwill and justice. We should use our diplomatic channels to seek a fair resolution to this. After so long, Ryan Cornelius deserves the chance to return home to recover and be with his loved ones.