Father hopes for return by Christmas

The unmarried father of three-year-old twin boys, who were taken to England by their mother without his knowledge or consent, …

The unmarried father of three-year-old twin boys, who were taken to England by their mother without his knowledge or consent, is hoping they will return to Ireland before Christmas.

The Supreme Court yesterday cleared the way for the High Court in London to order the return of the children. That hearing is scheduled for December 18th, but may be brought forward following yesterday's outcome.

The English courts had requested a declaration from the Irish courts that the children's removal from Ireland was in breach of the Hague convention which covers child abduction.

Having now had that declaration from the highest court here, it is almost certain that the English courts will order the children to be returned to Ireland.

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Mr G said he was delighted by the ruling and thanked his high-profile legal team, which included former minister for justice Michael McDowell SC, and his solicitor Con Pendred.

"It's a great judgment and it's a great day for fathers in my position. I've been vindicated in my belief that my children are as important to me as the courts found them to be. I could have lost my children for good.

"They are not back yet, but I'm looking forward to the day when they walk through the door. The children belong back in Ireland. This is where they grew up," he said.

Mr G also said he would be seeking to reinstigate proceedings for custody of his children as early as Christmas week and would be seeking guardianship and joint custody of them.

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times