A Northern Ireland couple have responded to allegations that they passed out drunk resulting in their children being taken into care while on holiday in Portugal.
Eamon and Antoinette McGuckin returned with their children, aged one, two and six, to their home in Maghera in Co Derry yesterday.
The lengthy statement issued by the couple this afternoon details events leading up to the hospitalisation of Mrs McGuckin in the Algarve late last Friday.
In it they insist that, contrary to reports, they were not drunk and point out that they had their first alcoholic drinks when they sat down to dinner shortly after 7.30pm.
They recount how after dinner they played pool with other guests in a communal area before returning to their hotel around 10pm.
It was then that Mrs McGuckin became violently ill according to the couple's statement, and after arranging for hotel staff to look after their three children, her husband accompanied her to the Loule health centre.
After she regained consciousness around 4.30am, the couple returned to the hotel and eventually learned that their children had been taken into care.
They spent a number of hours trying to have their children returned to them after 11.30am that morning.
The McGuckins say they thought the matter had been resolved and were trying to enjoy the rest of their holiday but felt they had to return home when the press became involved.
They say that the British Consulate has requested a full report from the health centre where Mrs McGuckin was taken and that they are deeply saddened and hurt by the events of the past few days. The couple say they want to put the experience behind them and be left in peace.
Earlier, SDLP Councillor Kate Lagan confirmed the couple arrived back in Co Derry with their children and were staying with friends.
Meanwhile, a family spokesperson said the couple had been the victims of a food poisoning incident.
