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

The Government takes any allegations of ill treatment or mistreatment very seriously and will ensure these issues are raised at the highest level. We continue to maintain extensive contacts with the Egyptian authorities and other international partners through the EU and beyond, many of which have had citizens in similar circumstances. On examining other similar cases, it remains very clear that, irrespective of political efforts made by foreign governments, including high-level requests, the other trials were completed before any political consideration of a possible release by the Egyptian authorities took place. The trial of the individual mentioned by Deputy Paul Murphy is ongoing. While we continue to maintain extensive contacts with the Egyptian authorities, including at very high levels, the precedents suggest it is unrealistic to expect any release until the initial trial takes place and is concluded. It is the Government's considered approach-----

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