Written answers

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

Consular Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 501: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied with the progress being made in the case of a person (details supplied); if he plans further initiatives through consular services or directly to the Spanish authorities in an effort to make progress in the investigation; the latest contacts he has made with the Spanish authorities; and if he plans further initiatives in this case. [12495/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department, through the Consular Section in Dublin and our Embassy in Madrid, has been in regular contact with the family of the person concerned since the beginning of this case in January. It is a deeply worrying situation for the family and I understand the acute distress they are under.

Extensive physical searches of the area where the person mentioned was last seen have been conducted by specialist teams from the Spanish police. The Gardaí have also assisted the Spanish police with their investigation. Unfortunately, I understand that no lead or breakthrough in the case has yet occurred.

The Taoiseach met with the family in Dublin on 5th March and shortly thereafter, on the request of the Taoiseach, the Irish Ambassador to Spain travelled to meet with high ranking police and political representatives in Málaga in relation to the case. The Ambassador and Consul were accompanied to the meeting by family members of the person concerned. The main purpose of the meeting was to obtain an updated account of the investigation and to keep the case alive in the public consciousness.

The Embassy has been in regular contact since with the senior police officer leading this investigation and will continue to do so. He and the Spanish authorities have undertaken to keep the Embassy informed of any developments, which they are treating as a missing persons case, and of course any information received will be passed on immediately to the family both in Spain and in Ireland. I can assure the Deputy that my Department, through the Consular Section and the Irish Embassy, will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.