24/02/2020

Minister For Justice Urged To Intervene To Halt Deportation

The Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, has been urged to intervene to halt the deportation of an Athenry family.

Making the call, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East Anne Rabbitte, met with Lucivaldo Araujo Silva and his family during the recent election. Mr Araujo Silva and his partner live in the Galway town with their three children (12, 9 and 2 years old), all of whom were born in Ireland.

Mr Araujo Silva is currently being held in Cloverhill Prison ahead of his deportation on Tuesday, unless the Minister intervenes.

Deputy Rabbitte said: "It's heartbreaking to see this Athenry family on the verge of being torn apart. I spoke to the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, on Thursday about the case and wrote to him on Friday seeking an intervention on humanitarian grounds. This family is much loved in the area and their friends and neighbours are rallying around them to try and save this family.

"Numerous teachers, business owners, friends and family have reached out to me about this and it's causing such stress for the community. It's also having a serious emotional impact on the family and their friends. It's devastating.

"The family's solicitors have contacted the Minister and are investigating what other avenues may be open to the family. The clock is counting down though and there's now less than 48 hours left before time runs out.

"If Mr. Araujo Silva is deported, the family are very concerned what may then happen to them, with the threat of deportation also hanging over them. The family's fear is palpable," concluded Deputy Rabbitte.

(MH/CM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 April 2014
Latest Stats Reveal Depth Of Beef Crisis – Moynihan
The Agriculture Minister has been accused of abandoning beef farmers. Despite a recent round table discussion with all the main players in the industry, figures from the ICMSA have found that Irish beef farmers are being paid much less for their produce than their counterparts in the UK, France, Germany and Northern Ireland.
26 September 2012
Environment Minister Defends Letter Regarding Traveller Family
Following newspaper reports that environment minister Phil Hogan wrote to constituents saying a particular family would not be moved to a house near them, the minister has denied claims of being racist. Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships in New Ross, he defended his decision to write the letter, saying he was entitled to write it.
31 July 2012
Minister Expresses Sympathy To The Family Of Late Maeve Binchey
Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan today expressed his sympathy to the husband and extended family of the late Maeve Binchy. She passed away aged 72 following a short illness. He said: "It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Maeve Binchy.
27 February 2012
Minister To Meet With Family Of Murdered Malawian Student
Minister of State for Trade Development, Joe Costello, will meet the family of murdered Malawian student during a trip to her home country. Rudo Mawere's body was discovered in a luggage bag on Blackhorse Avenue. A post-mortem found that the 26-year-old had died from asphyxiation.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.