Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 23 April 2008, the details of his discussions with the [i]chargé d'affaires[/i] of the Embassy of Brazil; and if an apology has been issued to the embassy or to the individuals involved. [16834/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As stated in my reply of 23 April 2008, the Secretary General of my Department met with the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Brazil on 28 March 2008, at the latter's request.

The meeting was conducted in an open and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the good relations between Ireland and Brazil. A useful and constructive discussion took place across a number of issues relating to immigration from Brazil to Ireland, which has seen a dramatic increase in recent years.

In the course of the discussion, the Brazilian side highlighted the case referred to by the Deputy where Brazilian nationals were denied entry to this country. They requested certain assurances in relation to procedures that would be followed in the event that Brazilian nationals were denied entry in the future. The Secretary General informed them that in relation to immigration, decisions in individual cases, the general requirements for entry and the subsequent arrangements for those denied entry to the State are a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, rather than for my Department. However, the Secretary General noted their requests and, following the meeting, briefed the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the discussions and the particular issues raised by the Brazilians.

Neither the individuals referred to by the Deputy, nor their families, have been in direct contact with my Department, nor did the question of an apology arise.