Mother of murder victim welcomes Taoiseach apology over citizenship error

The mother of an Irish woman who was raped and murdered in India has welcomed a personal apology from the Taoiseach for an error in his department over her request to meet him.

Danielle McLaughlin, 28, from Buncrana in Co Donegal, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona, an area of Goa popular with holidaymakers, in March last year.

Her mother Andrea Brannigan requested a meeting with Leo Varadkar to discuss how families could be better supported when a loved one dies abroad.

But the Taoiseach’s department initially redirected her to the British Foreign Office because Ms McLaughlin had been travelling on a UK passport.

The department has since apologised for what it termed an error.

Ms Brannigan and her daughter Jolene met with Mr Varadkar in Londonderry on Tuesday evening.

She told the Press Association that she was happier after the meeting but hoped it would not be “another closed door”.

Ms Brannigan said Mr Varadkar stayed with them for more then the allotted time, adding that the meeting lasted almost two hours.

“The first thing he did was apologise for what happened (the error by his department),” she said.

“He shook my hand. He listened which was the main thing, and even stayed with us over the time. The meeting lasted nearly two hours.”

A representative from the Irish Foreign Office was also present during the meeting.

“The Irish Foreign Office have an embassy in Delhi so they are going to send someone every few months to observe the trial,” she said.

The trial over Ms McLaughlin’s murder started in India in April, and is still running.

Ms Brannigan added: “I came out of the meeting happier, I just hope it is not another closed door. I have met with so many TDs and councillors who have made promises but nothing came out of it.”