Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for such a comprehensive report on issues at home and abroad. It was an important update for the committee. On the issue of Ebola the Irish ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ms Sinead Walsh, who is appearing before the committee at the end of March, led our team in Sierra Leone on combatting the crisis. Her appearance before the committee will be very important as she was on the ground with all the main players looking at it first hand.

Before I hand over to Deputy Brendan Smith, I ask the Minister to give the committee an up date on the situation of Mr. Ibrahim Halawa, a matter in which the committee has taken a keen interest and which will probably be raised by all Members. I met the Egyptian chargé d'affaires yesterday. He is prohibited from giving an update on the welfare of Mr. Halawa given that Mr. Halawa is an Irish citizen. It is important to hear from the Minister and the Department the current position of Mr. Halawa in Egypt.