Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Deputy Tom Barry and his daughter to the House. I also welcome my friend and former colleague on Waterford City Council, Hilary Quinlan, to the Gallery.

Many Members sent good wishes to everybody in the House. Senator Mooney asked about the Bankruptcy (Amendment) Bill. We have general agreement from everybody as regards the contents of that Bill so I do not think timing will make much difference. I believe we will complete the Bill within the timeframe allowed. Senator Bacik asked about the energy White Paper and Senator White raised the issue of climate change. I am sure we will have a debate on that matter early in the new year.

Senator Bacik also raised the case of Ibrahim Halawa, as a number of Members did yesterday. I have a note from the Department in regard to that case, which I will read to the House. The Taoiseach himself has, on two occasions, addressed the case with the Egyptian President while the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has met with and spoken to the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Mr. Shoukry, on numerous occasions. He also met with the Egyptian ambassador yesterday and efforts are being made at EU level, with contact having been made by the EU with Egyptian officials.

Ibrahim receives regular visits from Irish diplomats. Indeed, he has been visited 48 times since his detention and the Irish ambassador and his colleagues attend court and monitor matters closely. This is in the context of a very challenging security situation in Egypt. It is important to note that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is experienced in dealing with complex consular cases and does so in a manner which it believes will serve the best interests of the citizen, the welfare of whom is at all times at the centre of its approach. The Department has consulted widely in respect of this case with other countries who have had citizens in similar situations and these consultations inform the view that constant measured and firm diplomacy with the Egyptian authorities, including through the EU and other partners, offers the best chance of securing Ibrahim's release because it is ultimately a matter for the Egyptian authorities.

The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, has indicated that he and his officials are available to brief Members on the approach to the case, bearing in mind that ultimately this is a very sensitive case. We hope Ibrahim Halawa will be free in early course to come home and resume his studies and that is the wish of every Member of the House.