The Department of the Taoiseach has said there was a ‘misunderstanding’ over the letter received by Buncrana mother Andrea Brannigan.
Andrea Brannigan, the mother of the late Danielle McLaughlin, received a letter that prompted widespread shock and outrage today in response to her request to meet the Taoiseach during his trip to Donegal next week.
After the Office of the Taoiseach told Ms Brannigan that the meeting was not possible due to their claims that Danielle was not an Irish citizen, a further update on the case has said the Department was incorrect.
A spokesperson for the Taoiseach’s department said they had concluded that Danielle was a British citizen because she had a British passport. Her family maintained that she had dual British-Irish citizenship and grew up in Donegal.
In a response from the Department from the Taoiseach tonight, a Government Spokesperson said:
“The Taoiseach is aware of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Irish citizen Danielle McLaughlin, and extends his deepest sympathy to Danielle’s family.
“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.”