Senator expresses delight at couple reuniting

Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has said he is delighted that Kleber Silva Medeiros has been reunited with his wife Harriett Bruce.

Kleber was deported back to Brazil in July after allegations of a 'marriage of convenience' in order for the Brazilian national to stay in Ireland.

Kleber will now be able to return to his job and his home in Ballinasloe.

Speaking after joining the couple at Dublin Airport on Kleber’s return, Senator Ó Clochartaigh said: "I am delighted that the minister reversed her decision to deport Kleber and that he is now home for Christmas. He should never have been deported in the first place and there are serious questions to be answered about how the HSE and the Department of Justice handled this case. But that is for another day. The couple need to be given time now to get their lives back together after a nightmare couple of months."

The senator said Kleber was sent back to Brazil on foot of unsubstantiated allegations about the validity of their marriage.

"The HSE had delayed the issuing of the couple's marriage certificate which led to the Department of Justice enforcing a deportation order. The HSE then threw out the allegations and stated that there was no reason not to recognise the validity of the marriage. The campaign has been ongoing since to have the order revoked and Kleber returned home."

The Sinn Féin senator said he was happy to have played a small part in the campaign.

"I believe that bringing Harriett Bruce and other family members to Leinster House to put their case to TDs and senators was crucial in that process. The media and the public also played a huge part in highlighting the injustice of this case. I wish to acknowledge the support of members from across the houses and party divides in these efforts as well."

 

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