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

The Deputy will be aware that it is not within our power or authority to interfere unduly in a criminal matter in a foreign jurisdiction. That notwithstanding, I have outlined the steps that the Irish Government has taken and will continue to take in order to secure a positive outcome. This difficult and challenging case has consumed the attention of many of our officials for many months. I have twice met the Egyptian foreign Minister and had telephone contact a number of other times. I ask people to accept that Ireland is unable to interfere in the judicial process of another country, but we will continue raising our concerns.

This morning, I had a positive and constructive meeting with members of the family, during which I outlined the steps that we had taken to progress the matter. I can confirm to the House that those talks were held in a practical and open spirit in furtherance of our shared objective of seeking a positive outcome to the case. I will continue using every avenue available, including the recent presidential decree. In that regard, we are engaging in the legal and technical process in order to allow for the decree to operate in a way that will help in this case.

I again thank the Deputy for raising this issue. He has raised it with me over a number of months in correspondence. I will continue to keep both him and the House updated on all appropriate occasions as necessary.

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