Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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1. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of the ongoing retention of a person (details supplied); the actions he will take to encourage the British government to increase its diplomatic efforts in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for his question and allowing me to provide further information about this matter.

I am aware of this case, and having been appraised of the details of the case, I asked officials in my Department to meet with his wife and family members and representatives to discuss his ongoing detention and to explore possible avenues for our engagement.

As the Deputy is aware, the person in question is a citizen of the United Kingdom. In these circumstances, as a matter of law, it is therefore the UK authorities, and their Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, that hold the consular responsibility in relation to his case. Furthermore from the perspective of the United Arab Emirates authorities, they are bound to deal only with the United Kingdom authorities. It is my understanding that the British authorities have been active on behalf of the detained person throughout his detention.

Officials in my Department, including at the Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi, are in contact with UK authorities on this matter. I must emphasise of course that my officials will be guided by the primary consular protection authority, the United Kingdom, in our actions.

Our interest in the case was discussed with a senior UAE Minister during a recent visit to Ireland, and we will continue to keep it under review.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual cases.