Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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46. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any steps can be taken to repatriate children (details supplied) who were removed from Ireland by their father, against the wishes of their mother, in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49345/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance. There are plans in place for a meeting to take place this month with this citizen.

I can appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. The Embassy of Ireland has engaged with the relevant Ministry of Justice on the matter and has provided advice to the citizen accordingly.

Departmental and Embassy officials have advised the citizen, since the case began, to engage with a local lawyer to best advise on the laws as they pertain to the jurisdiction in question. The Embassy of Ireland has also liaised with other EU Embassies, whose citizens have been in similar circumstances, in the context of the consular advice being given to the citizen.

The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot intervene in legal or custodial matters but my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to the citizen where possible and appropriate.