Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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319. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the consular assistance he is providing to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17226/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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My Department is providing ongoing consular assistance to this Irish citizen and his family. The focus in such cases is to ensure that the imprisoned Irish citizen has access to legal representation and is not discriminated against in terms of the legal processes or treatment in the prisons system, as well as addressing any specific welfare concerns that arise.

Diplomatic and consular officials from the Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi have regularly visited this individual at Al Wathba prison. The most recent visit by a consular official took place last Wednesday, 15 June, and a further consular visit is planned in the coming weeks.

During consular visits, Embassy officials bring messages and facilitate practical support for the detainee on behalf of the family and the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO).

As and when appropriate, the Embassy has also been facilitating correspondence on the case with the authorities in Abu Dhabi, including in relation to a clemency request which is being pursued on behalf of the detained citizen.

In 2015 the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department advised that this citizen could lodge a formal complaint with regard to his detention in the United Arab Emirates. The Embassy has explained this option and provided the relevant complaint forms to the detained Irish citizen and his family in Ireland.

The Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the detainee and the family as required.