Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support an Irish citizen (details supplied) arbitrarily detained in Sri Lanka; and if he will make this a priority issue. [28267/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware from my previous replies in relation to the person mentioned by him my officials remain in close and direct contact with his wife and family. They liaise directly with her on any request for assistance and on any developments in his case. Our Ambassador and officers in our Embassy in New Delhi, which is accredited to Sri Lanka, have also been very active in pursuit of progress in this difficult case.

I am aware that a meeting between his wife, and other family members, and senior officials of my Department took place on 22 July 2011. At this meeting it was agreed that, if there was no outcome to a Fundamental Rights Hearing before the local Sri Lankan Courts due to take place on 30 August 2011 that I would write to the Sri Lankan Minister for External Affairs. At the hearing the case was postponed to 31 October 2011 and I have, accordingly written to the Sri Lankan Minister for External Affairs asking that the person mentioned by the Deputy either be charged or be released from custody as soon as possible. I can assure the Deputy that all possible consideration will continue to be given to this complex matter.