Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that this case remains a top priority for the Government and the Department. We continue to pursue every constructive avenue to secure the release of this citizen and we will continue to bring all of our influence to bear on his behalf through all appropriate channels. The Egyptian Government is fully aware of the priority the Irish Government attaches to this case, and there continues to be, on my part and that of my officials, engagement at all levels with the Egyptian authorities. The key focus of our engagement is to achieve the release of this citizen by the Egyptian authorities at the earliest opportunity and to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.

The Taoiseach has twice met President el-Sisi, making clear the Irish Government’s concerns and objectives in this case. Since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2014, I have been in regular contact with my Egyptian counterpart, Minister Shoukry, on the case. Irish Government representatives have worked with this citizen’s legal team in Egypt and supported petitions to the court when asked to do so, including providing formal Government support for an application under Decree 140 and an application for release on bail. We continue to supply significant resources in Cairo and in Dublin to provide a comprehensive consular assistance to the citizen at the heart of this case.

My Department has arranged exceptionally regular and frequent consular visits to the individual in prison since his arrest. The most recent was undertaken by my ambassador, Damien Cole, last month. A further visit is being arranged over the coming weeks.

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