Leo’s apology to mother for dead daughter error

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has personally apologised to the mother of an Irish woman who was murdered in India, after his department was reluctant to assist because they thought she was British.

Andrea Brannigan and her daughter Jolene met Mr Varadkar last night at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry.

Mr Varadkar described the meeting as ‘constructive’ and said the Department of Foreign Affairs is assisting the family.

Danielle McLaughlin, 28, from Buncrana in Co. Donegal, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona, an area of Goa popular with holidaymakers, in March last year. Her mother had requested a meeting with Mr Varadkar to discuss how families could be better supported when a loved one dies abroad.

But Ms Brannigan said she was told by Government officials that it was ‘probably not worthwhile’ as her daughter was not an Irish citizen.

The distraught mother was advised to contact British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

In a statement, the Department of the Taoiseach said officials ‘incorrectly concluded’ that Ms McLaughlin was a British citizen as Ms Brannigan said she was travelling on a UK passport. They apologised to the family over the matter.

Speaking after the meeting yesterday, Mr Varadkar said: ‘I had a very helpful and constructive meeting with Ms Brannigan and her daughter Jolene. I offered my condolences on Danielle’s tragic death. I also apologised for the error my department made.

‘Ms Brannigan gave me several examples of how the Government could better assist her and other families in similarly difficult circumstances.

‘I agreed to follow up on these matters and a contact person has been assigned to her in the Department of Foreign Affairs.’