Irish Premier Simon Harris announced that a travel restriction once imposed by Dubai officials on Tori Towey, an Irish woman accused of attempted suicide and alcohol misuse, has now been removed.
Towey, 28, who works as a flight attendant from County Roscommon, faced the charges following her emergence at a police station after an incident. It was reported that Dubai had also prohibited Towey from leaving the country.
During his remarks in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, Harris conveyed to legislators: "I have just been informed by our embassy that Tori's travel ban has been rescinded; she will be assisted to reach her next flight when ready and we shall continue monitoring the situation as it proceeds."
He commended the efforts of the Irish Embassy in the United Arab Emirates concerning Towey's case.
Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, brought up this matter twice at a sitting earlier that day and criticized Dubai's handling of similar cases as "regressive and deplorable". She had conversations with Towey and her mother Caroline in Dubai, emphasizing their Irish roots.
"[Tori] does not belong to Dubai; she belongs at home," McDonald stated. Harris acknowledged the concerns expressed by Sinn Féin representatives regarding this case. "We wish for Tori's return to Ireland and Roscommon."
He further mentioned that Towey is a victim of gender-based violence, not criminal activity. The Irish government has been in contact with Towey through both Dublin’s foreign minister Micheál Martin and the embassy in Dubai, Harris added.
Ann Flynn, Towey's relative, revealed her family was eager to return home. "She is a spirited woman who enjoys adventure," she said on RTÉ's Morning Ireland program.
Radha Stirling of the Detained in Dubai group expressed gratitude for the support from Irish citizens and authorities, hoping it would lead to Towey’s release soon. The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed providing assistance as does the embassy of Ireland in the UAE.
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