Written answers

Thursday, 27 September 2007

Department of Foreign Affairs

Diplomatic Representation

5:00 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in respect of the tragic killing of an Irish citizen overseas (details supplied) he will consider introducing or has plans to introduce legislation to make funding available, in line with ex gratia, to ensure families of victims in such circumstances can receive full and proper representation during the process of investigation and during any pending court case. [21374/07]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The death of the person mentioned by the Deputy was a dreadful tragedy and I have the greatest sympathy for the family concerned.

My Department, through the consular section of our embassy in Madrid and our Honorary Consulate in Lanzarote, has been providing extensive consular assistance in relation to this case. Officials from my Department have met with the family concerned several times and continue to provide them with a wide range of practical assistance. As the Deputy will appreciate, the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the person concerned is a matter for the Spanish authorities. I understand that the investigating magistrate will shortly decide whether to make public the findings to date.

When a death of an Irish citizen occurs abroad, my Department offers all possible assistance and support, including, where necessary, with autopsies, death certificates, lists of lawyers, and liaising with undertakers and airlines. This assistance was provided to the family in this case. As an exceptional additional measure, the Honorary Consul also arranged for the services of a local lawyer to be provided on a pro bono basis for the family during the current phase of the investigation. They have therefore received free legal representation for almost two months. However, my Department is not in a position to pay fees of solicitors or barristers retained by families abroad, and does not intend to introduce legislation in this area.

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