The Department of Foreign Affairs has been in touch with authorities in the UAE over a boxing fight organised by Daniel Kinahan.
The Dublin man was described in court previously as playing an "integral part" in organising the supply of illegal drugs into Ireland.
He was name checked by Tyson Fury when his two fight deal with Anthony Joshua was announced this week.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the Dáil the government has made contact with authorities in the UAE:
"I was rather taken aback to see Tyson Fury just dropping in that name, as if that was not somebody who has a chequered history in this state and elsewhere.
"While I can't comment on any particular garda operation I can assure you that there has been contact between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the authorities in the United Arab Emirates."
