Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will confirm that he has received correspondence from an Irish citizen (details supplied) in Thailand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37933/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department became aware of the alleged abduction of the child mentioned by the Deputy, an Irish citizen, on 4 June when his father contacted our Honorary Consul in Phuket to express his concern about his whereabouts. On 5 June, our Honorary Consul accompanied the father to the police in Phuket where he reported his son as having been abducted by his mother. On 9 June, the father appointed a lawyer, with the assistance of our Honorary Consul, who would represent in Thailand. I understand that this matter is now under investigation by the Thai police and,to date, the child has not been located. Our Honorary Consul has no role in the investigation of this alleged abduction and the father has been advised to continue to liaise on the details of the investigation with the Thai police using the services of his lawyer.

My Office has written to the father concerned on two occasions, once in early July and more recently last week emphasising the need for him to stay in close contact with the Thai police on this matter using the services of his lawyer. As the Deputy will appreciate, the operational responsibility for this matter is for the Thai Police Authorities. Our Honorary Consul in Phuket and our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur have been following this case closely and have remained in contact with the father. I can assure you that they will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the father in relation to this case.