I want to speak to the Tánaiste about the tragic case of Claire Cullen from Riverchapel near Courtown in County Wexford. Claire was killed in a hit-and-run incident while attending her brother's wedding in the Dominican Republic approximately five months ago. Claire is survived by her husband Ronan and her three kids. Claire was an extremely kind, popular and talented young woman and her death has left a huge void in the close-knit community of Riverchapel. Her family appreciate the efforts of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, the consulate in Colombia and the Department of foreign affairs in the repatriation process. This is quite simply any family's worst nightmare. As the family are all based in Ireland, they are now seeking assurances from the Department of foreign affairs and the Government that all efforts will be made to assist them in their pursuit of justice, which is what Claire's family thoroughly deserve.

I thank Deputy Brennan for raising this issue. First and most importantly, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of the late Claire Cullen. It is an incredibly heartbreaking case for the Cullen family and the community in Courtown in Wexford as well. I want to assure him and the House that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is very much aware of this tragic case. It also wants to extend its sincere sympathies to Claire's family. I am assured that consular support is being provided to the family through our teams and our embassy in Colombia and through our consular unit in Dublin. A dedicated caseworker has been appointed to this case. As with all consular cases, we do not comment on individual cases, but that is in order to protect the privacy of all of those who receive assistance. I do want to assure Deputy Brennan that on foot of his question the family can be assured that the Department will provide every consular support that is possible, both via the team here in Dublin and in Colombia.