Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the death of a person (details supplied) while on holiday in Orlando, Florida on 26 August 2008; the assistance given to their spouse by the Irish consulate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that their spouse believes they were not given adequate assistance by the consulate, in particular with regard to the return flights that had to be re-arranged; if he will contact their spouse to discuss the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41199/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is fully aware of the tragic death of the person referred to in the Deputy's question. My deepest sympathies go out to the family of the deceased.

With regard to the assistance provided by the Irish Consulate General, New York to the family, I am satisfied that all possible measures were taken to assist the family at this very sad time. This included liaison with the Medical Examiner's office (the equivalent of our Coroner's office), facilitating the engagement of a funeral service to handle the removal of the remains and ongoing contact with that funeral service to ensure the timely return of the remains to Ireland.

Our Consulate contacted the duty officer of an airline carrier and sought to facilitate the family's return flights to Ireland on the same day as the remains were being flown home. Unfortunately, this was not possible as the family's tickets, which were booked with another airline company, were non-transferrable without payment of the full economic rate.

Our Consular Division, telephone 01 4082308, will be very happy to be contacted by the family if they wish to have any further clarification.