Irish mother suspected of IS membership could be returning home to Ireland

An Irish woman suspected of being a member of IS could soon be returning home.

Lisa Smith left Ireland for Syria to live in the Islamic State where she later became married. The 37-year-old, who was once a member of the Irish Defence Forces, is now asking to return after the death of her husband. Ms Smith is said to have a two-year-old child who would be returning to the country with her. The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he intends to let Ms Smith and her child return to Ireland as he feels it is the 'compassionate thing' to do. The Irish woman is currently being detained in Syria on suspicions of being involved with the terrorist organisation but Mr Varadkar has said that if Ms Smith does return to the country she will go through an extensive security assessment. According to the Independent the Taoiseach said;

“Going to Syria or going to live in what was called Islamic State is not in itself an offence or a crime. So we will need to carry out an investigation. I know the authorities there will want to interrogate her to see if she has been involved in any crimes there. But it’s very possible that wasn’t a combatant.”

For the time being Ms Smith is to be held in Syria until Syrian authorities decide whether or not they want to prosecute her. The Taoiseach's decision comes as a legal battle rages in the UK as to whether or not a British woman who married a IS soldier should be allowed to keep her citizenship.