Plight of Irish mother whose sons were kidnapped in Egypt raised at Dáil committee

Mandy Kelly is continuing to call on the Irish Government to resolve the issue of a bilateral agreement with Egypt that would deal with international parental child abduction cases involving countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention. File picture: Gareth Chaney

The case of two Irish children abducted to Egypt has been raised before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, as their mother continues to seek a legal pathway to bring them home.

Mandy Kelly's sons, Zayn and Kareem, aged eight and five years, from Dundalk, were taken to Egypt by their father in 2022 while on a family holiday in Cairo and have not been returned.

Ms Kelly was later granted sole custody by the Irish courts, while Egyptian courts have also recognised her custody rights.

However, despite those rulings and the children holding valid Irish passports, Ms Kelly said a travel ban remains in place, preventing the children from legally leaving Egypt.

Speaking after the issue was discussed by the recent Oireachtas committee, Ms Kelly said she remained frustrated there was still no practical mechanism to enforce the court decisions.

Despite having recognised custody rights, Irish passports and a return order, there is still no lawful way to bring my children home.

“I can travel to Egypt, but I cannot legally leave with them. I'm asking both governments to work together to put a lawful pathway in place, so children like mine can return home," she said.

A further hearing in Egypt, originally due to take place on June 20, has been adjourned until August 22.

The hearing is expected to address whether the travel ban can be lifted and whether there is a legal mechanism to implement the custody rulings.

“I have done everything that was asked of me," Ms Kelly said.

She is also continuing to call on the Irish Government to resolve the issue of a bilateral agreement with Egypt that would deal with international parental child abduction cases involving countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention.

Any proposed agreement would establish practical procedures for the lawful return of children, including recognised exit processes, co-operation between both countries, and safeguards for children caught in cross-border custody disputes.

Ms Kelly has received confirmation from the Department of Justice that discussions on the possibility of such an agreement remain under consideration.

The case demonstrates the "difficulties faced by Irish families when children are taken to countries outside existing international child abduction agreements", she said.

"I'm exhausted by the delays,” she said. “Every court decision has recognised my rights, yet my children remain trapped because there is still no lawful exit mechanism. They deserve to come home, and I need both governments to find a practical solution."

Ms Kelly said her focus remained on securing a lawful route home for her sons and ensuring other Irish families do not face similar obstacles in the future.

The Department of Justice said it “is aware of this case and has provided extensive consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases".