The plight of a Tipperary man unable to leave Dubai was raised in the Dáil today. John White, aged 73, is originally from Clonmel and has not been home since 2011.
His construction business failed in the economic crash in 2007 leading to legal actions resulting in Mr White being imprisoned in Dubai for 4.5 years.
After being released from prison in August 2017, the courts retained John’s passport. UAE law demands that all debts, estimated to be €750,000, be paid before he can leave the country.
Mr White suffered a stroke in April 2018 and had a further stroke last week causing great concern to his family.
Deputy Mattie McGrath is asking that the Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy in UAE intercede on Mr White’s behalf.
The Taoiseach acknowledged that he is aware of Mr White’s situation and committed to following up on his circumstances.
