Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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332. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made by his Department to assist in the repatriation of the remains of a person (details supplied) to Ireland. [8139/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of recent media reports indicating that researchers have succeeded in identifying the possible location of the remains of Patrick Sarsfield, first Earl of Lucan, in Belgium.

This is a welcome development and one of great historical significance if confirmed. I applaud the efforts of all those involved including the Honorary Consul of France in Limerick, Dr Loïc Guyon, Limerick Civic Trust, the Belgian Embassy in Dublin and the local authorities in Huy, Belgium. It is obviously likely to be some time yet, possibly not until next year, before any excavation and confirmed identification of remains can be made.

Our Embassy in Brussels will continue to monitor developments in relation to this issue and stands ready to engage further on this matter if requested.