Robert Pether has been released on bail in Iraq.

The Australian national lived with his family in Co. Roscommon before travelling to Iraq where he was arrested and jailed on fraud charges.

The Tanaiste was informed of his release during a call with Foreign Minister Hussein of Iraq yesterday evening.

Simon Harris has welcomed this as a first step to his being allowed to return to his wife and three children in Roscommon.

The Tanaiste says it's a positive development: