'My son needs to be home safe': Mother pleas for return of Irish toddler from Lebanon

Catherine Flanagan (right) with her son David Nahle (left).

The Taoiseach has raised concerns for an Irish toddler being held captive in war-torn Lebanon with that country’s Prime Minister, but his distraught mother says her pleas are being ignored.

Three-year-old David Nahle was taken by his father in August 2022 during a family holiday when he was 10 months old.

Dr Mustapha Nahle, who is a consultant anaesthetist in Rafik Hariri University Hospital, has refused to let his son David leave the country.

The child’s mother, Catherine Flanagan from Belfast was in fear of her life and forced to return home without the child. She has since pleaded with the government for help with the safe return of her son.

Last month, Taoiseach Simon Harris met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and highlighted the case of David Nahle.

A letter sent from the Taoiseach's office and seen by the Irish Examiner said: “I can confirm that the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, raised David's case in his most recent meeting with the Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati."

“The Taoiseach expressed his keen desire to see a resolution to this case, a resolution that is in the best interests of David.

“I want to assure you, once again, that officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to assist you, where possible and appropriate, and in close consultation with the FCDO, within the remit of the Consular Assistance”.

David Nahle with his father Dr Mustapha Nahle. Three-year-old David was taken by his father in August 2022 during a family holiday when he was 10 months old.

David has both Irish and British citizenship. His mother said she organised four evacuation flights for him last month, but his father refused to allow the child travel.

A UK court order, issued on July 28, 2023, gave full custody to Ms Flanagan but to date it has been ignored by the child’s father.

Ms Flanagan told the Irish Examiner: “It has been two weeks since my son’s case was raised with the Prime Minister of Lebanon. The silence is deafening. Do they not listen to what the leader of this country is saying about an Irish child that needs to be home?

“He urgently needs to come home to his mother to a country that is safe. I am beside myself with worry.

Homes are being evacuated or in ashes right now in Lebanon, I don’t know who David is living with or among. It is really not ok. I know nothing.

“We promised them much support during that meeting, and after two weeks they can’t even ensure David is sent home".

Ms Flanagan met her estranged husband on social media, and they were married in Lebanon in April 2021. She works in an aid agency.

“David was born here, and we went to meet his family in August 2022, and it all went wrong.” 

In a statement the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of this case and has provided advice and guidance.

“The department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”