Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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262. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of a case (details supplied); if, given the facts of this case and the details of the Hague Convention on prevention of international child kidnapping 1980, he will suspend trade cooperation between Ireland and Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29155/24]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, trade policy is an exclusive competence of the European Union, under Article 207 of the Functioning of the European Union, generally referred to as the common commercial policy. Trade relations with Egypt are governed by the EU-Egypt Association Agreement which creates a free-trade area between the EU and Egypt. Negotiations with Egypt on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade area are currently on hold.

I am advised by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that his Department is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. A senior official has been appointed as the citizen’s dedicated case manager and is in very regular contact with them.

I further understand that the Tánaiste has met with the citizen to discuss their case and that he has raised their case on a number of occasions with his counterpart in the relevant jurisdiction, most recently in April of this year.

Additionally, there has been sustained engagement at a local level with the relevant authorities. Embassy officials, including the Ambassador, have regularly engaged with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other missions to gather advice and expertise on how best to support the Irish citizen.

I fully appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. The country in question is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. As a result, in cases of dispute or unlawful removal, there is no international system in place providing a practical mechanism for the return of children from that State to Ireland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot interfere in legal or custodial matters in another jurisdiction, but will continue to provide consular assistance where possible and appropriate.