The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that he is ready to "intervene" in the case of an Irish woman who is facing criminal charges in Dubai in what he called "the most appalling circumstances".
Simon Harris said that he was not aware of the case of Tori Towey, who is 28, but noted that her plight had been raised with the Minister for Foreign Affairs by Sinn Féin.
He was responding to a question from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.
"Thank you, Deputy McDonald, for bringing the case of Tori to my attention," he said. "I'm not directly appraised of the situation, but I'm very happy to be directly appraised of it now."
He said that he would work with the deputy "to intervene and see how we can support an Irish citizen in what sounds to be - based on what you tell me - the most appalling circumstances".
Ms McDonald said the Roscommon woman - to whom she spoke today - "wants to come home".
"She has been the victim of the most gross domestic violence," Ms McDonald said. "Her passport has been destroyed. There was a travel ban imposed on her."
Ms Towey is now facing charges "of attempted suicide and the abuse of alcohol," the deputy said, and "is now under the most incredible stress".
"Her mother, Caroline has traveled to be with her."
Ms McDonald said that "as a matter of urgency" the Government must make it "absolutely plain to the authorities of Dubai that no woman should be treated in this way, and an Irish citizen, an Irish woman, will not be treated in this way".
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and providing consular assistance.
Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon-Galway Claire Kerrane said she was determined to work with the embassy and the Government to ensure Ms Towey's release is secured without delay.
She told RTÉ News: "There is a court case due to be held next week, but hopefully it won't have to go that far.
"It's important for us now to keep up the pressure on the Government and Dubai authorities to do the right thing."
Additional reporting Harry Manning
