Taoiseach urged to reconsider and meet mother of murdered Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin

The decision by the Department of the Taoiseach to decline a request to a meeting with the mother of murdered Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin arose from “a misunderstanding” according to the most recent Department response.

Andrea Brannigan, Danielle’s mother, had sought the meeting with Leo Varadkar who is due in County Donegal on Tuesday where he has a number of engagements, among them one in Buncrana.

In their initial response to her emailed request, the Office of the Taoiseach told Ms Brannigan that the meeting was not possible on the grounds that Danielle was a British citizen.

However, Danielle was indeed an Irish citizen, and as such entitled to hold an Irish passport. Since this emerged the Department have issued a second response saying the Department “sincerely regrets the misunderstanding that arose in this case”.

In the most recent development, Donegal TD, Pat the Cope Gallagher says no one has been in contact with Ms Brannigan since the error was discovered and he has urged the Taoiseach to meet Ms Brannigan when he visits Buncrana on Tuesday. In an email to the Taoiseach he states:  "I would respectfully suggest that immediate contact is made with Andrea clarifying the position in relation to media reports. I would also strongly recommend that you meet with the family when in Buncrana next Tuesday."

Danielle McLaughlin was murdered in Goa, India in March, 2017 and her mother had sought the meeting to discuss her daughter’s case.

Clarifying their initial response the most recent response from the Taoiseach's Department  reads: "The letter received by the Department of the Taoiseach from Danielle’s mother indicated that Danielle was travelling on a British passport, leading officials handling the matter to incorrectly conclude that Danielle was a British citizen.

“This was the basis on which the office advised Danielle’s family that the matter would be most appropriately handled by the British authorities.

“Having now clarified the facts surrounding this case, the Department can confirm that Consular services of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have and will continue to be provided to Danielle’s family, as appropriate.

“The Department sincerely regrets the misunderstanding that arose in this case.”

A short time ago Fianna Fáil TD Pat the Cope Gallagher told the Donegal Democrat Ms Brannigan has “so far received no apology from anyone”. He said he spoke to her this (Saturday) morning and she had not spoken to anyone from or on behalf of the Taoiseach or his Department. 

Deputy Gallagher said he was now calling on the Taoiseach to meet Ms Brannigan when he is in Buncrana and in the shorter term he feels someone “should, out of courtesy if nothing else” speak to her.

A copy of an email sent by Deputy Gallagher to the Taoiseach appeals to him to now meet Ms Brannigan. In his email Deputy Gallagher says he would “strongly recommend” that the Taoiseach meet Ms Brannigan on Tuesday, the full text of his email is as follows:

"Taoiseach,

I am, to say the least, extremely  disappointed to learn that Daniel’s mother Andrea was advised by your Department that she would be better served by contacting the British Foreign Office regarding Danielle’s murder in India.

I understand from media reports that your Department has now apologized and confirmed that Foreign Affairs would continue to provide consular services.

I have just spoken to Andrea who advises that she has not received any such  confirmation from your Dept. I would respectfully suggest that immediate contact is made with Andrea clarifying the position in relation to media reports

I would also strongly recommend that you meet with the family when in Buncrana next Tuesday.

I await confirmation from you.

Regards

Pat the Cope

Pat the Cope Gallagher TD

Leas Cheann Comhairle

Dáil Éireann."