Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
233. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to detail all engagement she has had with Iraqi authorities on the continued detention of an Irish resident (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5938/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very conscious of the continuing ordeal being unjustly inflicted on the person concerned and his family. I received an update on the case from the Irish Ambassador in Amman during my visit to Jordan on 14 January. I am aware also of the Deputy's long standing interest in the case. My officials are in frequent contact with the family of the concerned person and also from time to time with him.
The release of this person from prison in June raised strong hopes that he would soon be allowed to leave the country. It is deeply frustrating that he continues to be detained in Iraq under a travel ban, with the constant threat of re-imprisonment. I reiterate that in our view he was imprisoned, and continues to be detained, for a supposed crime which never occurred. Both he and his family suffer continual pain and hardship as a result.
The Government continues to raise his case with the Iraqi authorities, in support of the work being done by the Government of Australia, of which he is a citizen. We convey our concerns about his case to the Iraqi authorities both through the Embassy here in Dublin and through our Embassy in Jordan. This month we also raised it directly with the Iraqi Mission at the United Nations in New York. In all these contacts we make very clear that both justice and humanitarian concerns demand his immediate release from detention, and return to his family in Ireland.
I and my Department will remain fully engaged on this file and continue to work towards the return of this individual to his family.
