Irish authorities are being helped by Danish counterparts to repatriate Isil bride Lisa Smith in a series of high-level discussions between the two governments, the Irish Independent can reveal.

Officials in Copenhagen have contacted Irish officials and are sharing information after a "carbon copy" case to that of Ms Smith emerged in the Scandinavian country.

It is understood a Danish Isil bride, who is currently being held in a camp in Syria, is also a widow and mother to a young child.

In recent weeks, the Danish government made direct contact with senior officials in Ireland to consider all options to repatriate both women.

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While the two countries are exchanging information and possible ways in which the women can be returned, it is not known at this stage if a joint initiative to repatriate Ms Smith and the Danish woman together is being considered.

No definitive plan has yet been put in place to safely return either woman, although the possibility of flying an Irish military jet from a neighbouring country has been discussed.

Discussions on the safest way to repatriate Ms Smith from the Al-Hawl camp in Syria have been ongoing since early March, when her case first came to light.

Senior government officials, gardaí and authorities from a number of various agencies have been involved in talks.

Late last month, it emerged that the International Red Cross was asked to spearhead Ireland's effort to return the Dundalk woman.

Government officials made direct contact with the charity in the hope of using its capabilities and connections.

Previously, the US, allies of the Kurds in the battle against Isil, has warned European countries they need to accept the return of their nationals who travelled to Syria and Iraq.

Ms Smith spent a decade in the Defence Forces, serving as a soldier in the Army for five years before joining the Air Corps. She also worked as a flight attendant on the Government jet during Bertie Ahern's time as Taoiseach.

In an interview with 'The Mail On Sunday', she spoke of her desire to return to Ireland with her daughter (2), whom she claims was born to a British father while living in Isil territory, a man she says has died in the last three months.

She denied having ever fought for Isil or holding extremist views. "I'm not, like, out to kill anyone, I don't believe in suicide attacks," she said.

When asked whether she had actively fought for Isil, she said: "No, I didn't do anything. I didn't even own a gun."

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Irish Independent