Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will try to be brief, but if needs be I will speak again later. The Minister mentioned the case of Ibrahim Halawa, who is being held in prison in Egypt. I understand what the Minister said, and I congratulate and thank the consular service for its hard work and diligence, not only in that case but in many other cases, and there are complications. Is it intended in the forthcoming Council meeting to examine the situation generally in Egypt, and not just in this specific case? On the size of the conference, has the Minister raised in the past or does he intend to raise with his counterparts the specific case of this Irish citizen? That would be important to ensure all the other EU countries would be made aware of it, some of which may be able to give the extra support that is required.

With regard to Israel, and Palestine in particular, the Dáil and the Seanad voted unanimously to recognise the state of Palestine. Do we ever intend to act on those motions which were passed in the Seanad earlier?

Gaza was mentioned. Another boat on its way to Gaza was intercepted recently in the Mediterranean. My question relates to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, EUROMED, which ties in to the question of the refugees. Are there plans to examine the EUROMED agreements and whether they have been delivering, and will deliver, for countries in Africa and the Middle East which have made agreements? Some have broken them and flaunted them while others have not benefited from EU trade agreements. I will leave the remainder of my questions until we resume.