Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department can provide an update on a case (details supplied); his plans to assist the family in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3051/24]

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.

I met the citizen recently and I fully appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. I have engaged with my counterpart in the jurisdiction on the case and the Embassy of Ireland has also 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.

I understand the citizen is now in the process of engaging the services of a local lawyer to advocate on her behalf and I welcome this development. The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot interfere in legal or custodial matters but my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to the citizen where possible and appropriate.