Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 404: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [40234/08]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 413: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [39744/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 413 together.

Our Embassy in Mexico, which is also accredited to Venezuela, has been monitoring developments in the case of the person to whom the Deputy refers since he was arrested in Caracas, on 3 February 2004 on drugs related charges. He was sentenced to 8 years in prison by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. In December 2007, our Embassy learned that he had been released from prison on "conditional release". I understand that this means that he must remain in Venezuela until his sentence is complete, which is scheduled for September 2011.

Our Embassy in Mexico and our Honorary Consul in Caracas remains available to provide all possible consular assistance that is necessary in the circumstances. I would advice the Irish citizen in question to make early contact with the Honorary Consul to discuss any outstanding issues.