Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will liaise with the United Arab Emirates justice department to find out what is happening with an Irish person (details supplied); the steps the UAE justice department intend to take with this person; the charges that are going to be pressed against the person, if any; the steps he can take to help this person leave the UAE and return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15782/12]

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 55: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made representations for the release of a female Irish citizen detained in Dubai on or around 1 March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15632/12]

Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ascertain the position regarding an Irish citizen (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is currently being detained in the United Arab Emirates; the steps the diplomatic service can take to help the person out of the situation they are in; if he will help along with the diplomatic staff in finding a resolution for the person so that they can leave the UAE and return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15781/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 55 and 59 together.

The person referred to by the Deputy was arrested and detained by the United Arab Emirates authorities on 28/02/12.

Consular assistance has been provided by my Department, through our Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consular Assistance Section in Dublin. Our Embassy is in direct contact with the Irish citizen and a Consular Officer visited her in prison on 03/03/12 and again on 12/03/12. I am pleased to let the Deputy know the Embassy is also assisting with arrangements for a pastoral visit to the Irish citizen by a Bishop from her church. Our Consular Assistance Section is in direct contact with the Irish citizen's daughter in Ireland and met with her on 06/03/12.

I am informed that Embassy has made a formal request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates seeking information on the reason for her arrest and detention. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, there are limits to what the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its consular and diplomatic missions can do in circumstances where an Irish citizen has been arrested and detained abroad. However, our Embassy and the Consular Assistance Section remain available to offer consular assistance and has provided the family with a list of English speaking lawyers.