Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had dealings on an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37600/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware of this long-running issue.

I can confirm that the Embassy in Rome was in contact with a number of individuals that experienced difficulties in relation to their purchases of property in Italy. At the time, the Embassy in Rome provided assistance to these investors in any way open to it, including in finding suitable legal representation.

The Deputy will be aware that the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs concerning private property transactions by Irish nationals abroad is limited, and that redress in such cases must be sought through the relevant legal system. Our Embassies can provide a list of English-speaking lawyers, if needed. The Department would be of the view that the correct course of action is to pursue the matter through legal channels.