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

I assure Deputy Murphy that my objectives in the case are appropriate and clear. They are to see the release of the individual by the authorities in Cairo so he can return home to resume his studies in Dublin and be with his family, and to provide support for his welfare while he remains detained. The approach I continue to take on an almost daily basis is in furtherance of these objectives.

It is important to note again, and forgive me if I repeat it, with regard to the role of the Irish Government where citizens are detained abroad, irrespective of any views regarding the fairness of the trial or the circumstances, political or otherwise, in the jurisdiction where the person might be detained, the reality is that where an Irish citizen is charged with an offence or offences under the law of a foreign country, it is the foreign law that is applicable and it is the relevant foreign court which decides on these matters and all matters such as bail, evidence and continued detention or release. Notwithstanding this, there are circumstances associated with this case which warrant a return home of the individual and I assure the House of my continued interest in this regard. It is a matter solely for the authorities in Cairo.

Deputy Murphy suggested there are a number of days before the trial and this is correct. The return date is towards the end of this week. In line with our clear objectives in the case, our approach is consistently under review. I am keeping the Taoiseach fully briefed and it may be that at a certain stage it would be beneficial to the citizen for the Taoiseach to become involved. I have not ruled this out as a possibility. The hearing dates, return dates and the dates on which evidence is tendered are entirely, solely and exclusively a matter for the courts in Egypt.

See this speech in context