Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2024
103. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken to ensure that an Irish resident (details supplied) can come home to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41358/24]
View answer104. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had to ensure the safe return to Ireland of an Irish resident (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41359/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
My Department and I take every opportunity to raise this case with Iraqi officials. We consider this person to be the innocent victim of a dispute between other parties. Most recently I discussed this issue in September in a phone call with the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and expressed to him our concerns about the case and the health of the person concerned. I will follow up that discussion with him shortly. I also met with the subject's spouse earlier this year, to receive an update on his welfare and developments in his case. Officials in my Department remain in close contact with her also.
The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have consular responsibility for this case as the person is an Australian citizen. We remain in contact with Australian officials both in Dublin and in Baghdad in relation to the case. We remain in support of the Australian consular efforts to secure his release as they are the responsible consular power. The Irish Ambassador in Amman travelled to Baghdad in September and met with the Australian Ambassador, and with Iraqi officials including the Chief of the Judiciary, to convey our concerns about the case.
