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

Once again, I assure the House that I am fully aware of the frustrations and sensitivities involved. I am also aware of comparisons being made between the case of this individual and other cases involving foreign nationals. I assure the Deputy that I have on numerous occasions discussed the case with Ms Mogherini, as recently as last week. I can confirm to the House that I have been in contact with Members of the European Parliament.

I wish to refute an inaccurate suggestion that when foreign nationals were released it was solely on the basis of calls by foreign ministerial offices, foreign Prime Ministers or foreign Ministers. I assure the House and wish to make it quite clear that it is the Egyptian authorities alone who will decide on the matter of the release of our citizen. Notwithstanding that, I assure Deputy Crowe that I am consistently involved in seeking avenues that I believe are appropriate to secure the release of this citizen.

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