Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
114. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who is fighting for the return of their two sons from Egypt following a case of parental alienation; if he is aware of the High Court order that issued in December 2022 on the case; if he can outline what supports have been offered by the State to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34826/23]
View answerI 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 can appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. The Embassy of Ireland has engaged with the relevant Ministry of Justice on the matter and has provided advice to the citizen accordingly. The citizen has stated that they intend to engage in a formal mediation process and the Embassy of Ireland is in communication with the relevant Ministry of Justice in this regard.
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.
The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot intervene in legal or custodial matters but my officials will continue to provide support, assistance and guidance to the citizen where possible and appropriate.
