Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not think anything can be gained by bringing this young man's legal team to a public meeting of this committee. The best way to handle this case is with diplomacy behind the scenes, as is happening with the involvement of the Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and our diplomatic team. We need to support them but having the legal team here in public session would harm the young man's case, as Deputy Eric Byrne said. At this stage, we need to continue and, if possible, increase the behind-the-scenes contact that has been taking place. Our diplomatic corps has been very supportive of this young man and I have every confidence that the contact the Taoiseach has had will bring about the desired result. We all want to see this young man back in Dublin with his family and continuing his studies. Hopefully that will happen in the very near future.