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

The next hearing is scheduled for 26 April, which is later this week. It would be most unhelpful for me or anybody else to speculate as to what might happen on that occasion. I assure the House and Deputy Murphy that Irish embassy officials will be in attendance as they have been at every hearing of this trial to monitor, experience and report on developments of the day. There is a specific application before the courts for the release of the individual on bail. This is being considered by the judge. Inappropriate escalation of political intervention, however well-intentioned it might be, could be counter-productive to our objective in the case and could be counter-productive to the best interests and welfare of the citizen involved. We are keeping matters under review and I am happy to keep the Deputy fully informed of developments.

See this speech in context