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

I note the debate in the European Parliament. The Deputy will be aware that I have specifically raised this case through discussion with High Representative Mogherini on a number of occasions. She has assured me that the case of the Irish citizen will continue to remain high on the European Union's bilateral agenda with Egypt until his release. The European Union remains supportive of our position and, on several occasions, has raised its support for our concerns with the Egyptian authorities at appropriate opportunities.

While we continue to take all appropriate action that we believe to be in the best interest of the citizen in question, the reality remains that any decision regarding his release will ultimately be taken by the authorities in Cairo, Egypt, and not by the Irish authorities.

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