Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has or intends to make representations to the South African Government in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34423/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, through the Irish Embassy in Pretoria, became aware of the arrest of the person mentioned by the Deputy in April 2002 in South Africa on charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the Aliens Act. I understand that the three counts arose from his alleged illegal residence in South Africa.

The embassy provided consular assistance to him and his family, including raising with the prison authorities issues in respect of his health and his conditions in detention. The embassy also liaised with his attorney on various issues, including his deportation.

On 9 July 2002, the sentence imposed on the person concerned was overturned on appeal and a suspended sentence was imposed. The embassy arranged for the issue of an emergency travel document to facilitate his return to Ireland on 15 July 2002.

Subsequent to the person's release and return to Ireland, the embassy has raised his case on several occasions with the South African authorities, including his request for a Presidential pardon. In August 2003, the South African authorities informed the embassy that a response would be forthcoming on the case and, subsequent to this, the person concerned was contacted directly by them.

The embassy remains willing to raise this case again though, I should add, it is believed that the South African authorities consider the case to be closed.