Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are many different suggestions in regard to the action that can be taken in this case. All options for action are kept open by the Government, and we keep these activities under review at all stages. However, I again stress that we are at all times guided by the action that is most likely to achieve positive practical progress for our citizen at the earliest possible opportunity.

Reference was made to other cases, and I wish to record my welcome for those who have been released. Our focus remains firmly on our citizen and his case. I must caution against any over-reliance on the detail relating to other cases being employed as a strict precedent in respect of the operation of the presidential decree. It is important to note that different facts and circumstances apply to each case and it is at times unhelpful to make what I would describe as over-simplistic comparisons. I assure all Members of the House that we will continue to engage positively and actively until such time as we achieve a successful outcome in respect of the case.

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