Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We got advice from the Department that diplomacy is best worked in a diplomatic way. Sadly, members not just of this committee but of the Parliament have decided that the old tactic of shouting and roaring from the backbenches contributes more effectively than the diplomatic route being taken by our diplomats. If there is a serious decision from the Egyptian courts, subsequent to the petitions being decided on, it is implicit that the Prime Minister of the country would plead on behalf of the convicted. We do not know yet if anyone will be convicted. It is presumptuous to suggest, in terms of the Taoiseach intervening, that at this stage we would burn our final bridge before a decision on the petitions is taken. My plea is that we wait and allow our diplomats work behind the scenes in a diplomatic way and wait for the decision of the petition because the lad might be released there and then. However, if we call in the Taoiseach at this delicate stage, we might provoke the situation. It is my belief that the more public this case is becoming, given the allegations of torture and the counter position of our ambassador, we are not doing the Halawa family any favours. We should wait on the outcome of the petition and see how the judiciary in Egypt views the petitions presented. It is hoped the lad will be coming home. If not, that will be the appropriate time for the Taoiseach to intervene.