Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our priority is to see that Ibrahim Halawa is returned to his family and that he can continue his studies. We want to provide every possible consular support for his welfare where he remains in detention. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has been in regular contact with his Egyptian ministerial counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, and the Taoiseach has twice met with the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, making clear the Irish Government's concerns and objectives in this case.

Given that the trial is ongoing, the Government must remain measured and responsible in its public comments. This is entirely consistent with our approach in other consular cases. While our objectives are clear, I too, along with Deputy Clare Daly and all decent Irish people, want to see Ibrahim Halawa released.

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