Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Shatter for raising this important issue and for giving me an opportunity to update the House.

Ibrahim Halawa, an Irish citizen, and his three sisters were detained following incidents at the Al Fateh mosque in Ramses Square in Cairo on 17 August 2013. His sisters were later released, but Ibrahim remains in detention. His case is a matter of concern for me, as I know it is for many people.

From my first day in office, I have taken an active role in progressing matters. During my first week, I spoke to the Egyptian foreign Minister, Mr. Sameh Shoukry, and set out my concerns regarding Ibrahim's detention. I have spoken with Mr. Shoukry on a number of other occasions, including twice in person in New York and Cairo. I stressed each time that Ibrahim Halawa was only 17 years of age at the time the alleged offences were committed and asked for his release so that he might return to his studies and his family.

Officials in Dublin and Cairo have been in ongoing and sustained contact with the Egyptian authorities, including senior officials from the foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Prosecutor-General. Ibrahim Halawa has received 34 consular visits from Irish Embassy staff, including our ambassador, Ms Isolde Moylan, with approximately one visit every fortnight, most recently on 7 February.

It is the view of the Government that Ibrahim Halawa should not be tried as part of a group trial involving a large number of defendants and on the basis of group charges, but solely on the basis of specific evidence. Our concerns about this case include the Egyptian authorities' continued consideration of Ibrahim's case as part of a group trial and the fact that he was only 17 years of age when the alleged offences took place.

Recently, I availed of the opportunity to raise this case directly with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Federica Mogherini. She undertook to raise the case with the relevant and appropriate authorities, and stressed that we could count on all the assistance that the EU institutions can provide.

I am concerned that, as Deputy Shatter stated, the trial was delayed for the fourth time on 8 February and is now scheduled to take place on 29 March. I have maintained ongoing contact with the Halawa family since August 2013. I met members of the Halawa family earlier today, at which time I discussed the postponement of the hearing and possible next steps. We will continue to work closely with them as we work actively on the case.

The Egyptian President has issued a decree in respect of foreign nationals in Egypt who have been sentenced or are awaiting trial. I am aware of the recent deportation from Egypt of the Australian al-Jazeera journalist, Mr. Peter Greste. However, there are few, if any, details available as to the exact scope and practical operation of the presidential decree. In particular, it remains unclear exactly what the decree may mean in practice for those whom Egypt regards as dual or Egyptian nationals, as is the case for Ibrahim. Officials in my Department remain in ongoing contact with Ibrahim's lawyer regarding this issue and continue to highlight his Irish citizenship and seek further information from the Egyptian authorities about the practical operation of the new decree. I am also aware that the other al-Jazeera journalists have been granted bail today pending their retrial later in the month. My officials are closely monitoring all developments and will remain in sustained contact with the authorities in Cairo.

This is a difficult case in a complex and challenging context. While Ireland cannot interfere with the judicial process in Egypt, our concern at the continued and lengthy period of detention has been raised with the Egyptian authorities in a clear and sustained manner, as has the critical importance of due process in this case. Ireland will continue to seek a review of the case. We will continue to seek Ibrahim's release and his return to his studies and his family. In the meantime, we will offer all possible consular assistance to Ibrahim and his family.

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