I raise the case of Mr. John White of Clonmel and Dublin, was a self-employed contractor who worked in Abu Dhabi. On his return to work there in September 2011, having said goodbye to his wife and three of his children at Dublin Airport, he was arrested on arrival in respect of cheques that had bounced because people who had employed him had not paid him. Mr. White was incarcerated in extremely inhumane conditions in Al Wathba prison in the desert between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He has since had a stroke and has been brought back to court by the supplier he could not pay. As stated, he is incarcerated in appalling conditions. On behalf of the family, who live in Tipperary, and this man's wife and children who live in Dublin, I wish to ask if the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade provide assistance to this man. This man has had a stroke in respect of which he is receiving no medical treatment and he has no access to a hospital. I reiterate that the conditions in which he is being kept are inhumane. There are many Irish citizens in this region working hard and honestly to earn a living.

This is not really a matter appropriate to this business.

It is a very important matter for the family and for this man, whose health is deteriorating rapidly.

I accept that but it is still not appropriate to this business. Would the Taoiseach like to comment?

If the family makes a request to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for consular services, he will do all he can to provide assistance via the embassy in Abu Dhabi. Having dealt with a number of similar issues, including on behalf of a constituent, I know that the United Arab Emirates is rigid in the manner in which it enforces the law and it does require that people pay their debts. If there is a humanitarian aspect to this case, I am sure we could provide consular assistance via the embassy in Abu Dhabi if the family request it.