Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have taken very careful note of the views and concerns expressed in the House today and I assure all Deputies that this case remains the highest consular priority. I will continue to do everything possible to secure the release and return of Ibrahim Halawa and to see him back in Ireland as soon as possible.

Everyone acknowledges that this is a complex consular case but it is in receipt of an unprecedented amount of attention and resources from my Department and from the Taoiseach. Our focus is firmly on the citizen and his case. The key question which guides our approach is what will stand the best chance of making positive progress for this Irish citizen.

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It is the Government's proactive approach supported by decades of diplomatic experience and extensive consultation with a number of States which have had citizens in similar but not identical circumstances, and our sustained and firm diplomatic efforts which will provide the best means of achieving the twin goals of protecting Ibrahim Halawa's welfare and securing his release.

The Government's strategy is under continuing review. It has been refined and developed based on the Department of Foreign and Trade's considerable experience and consultation with other governments, of which they have been many, and on legal advice. There is also regular consultation with the Halawa family, Ibrahim's lawyers in Ireland and in Egypt and non-governmental organisations, NGOs.

In response to Deputy Darragh O'Brien, I confirm that the Government has already supported an application made by Ibrahim Halawa's legal team in 2015 for his return to Ireland under presidential decree 140. In consultation with the family and their legal representatives, the Government intends to again lend its full support and effort to a further request for release under presidential decree 140. We will continue to work in firm support of these efforts.

I have updated the House on the regular contact I have had with my Egyptian counterpart, with other high level figures in Egyptian system and with the Egyptian ambassador here in Dublin. Ambassador Gendi has been very helpful and professional in her engagement and I appreciate the efforts she has made to convey to her authorities in Cairo the extreme concerns of the Government, the Oireachtas and Irish public opinion on this case. On foot of my request, EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, raised this case directly with the Egyptian Foreign Minister. In response to Deputy Catherine Martin's comments, I point out that on two occasions already the Taoiseach has had face-to-face meetings with President el-Sisi. He has also corresponded with the president on this case. In fact, he spoke to him as recently as Monday of this week.

I and my officials, including our ambassador in Cairo, will continue to engage intensively with the Egyptian authorities to underline strongly and clearly our concerns about this case and our desire to see progress towards the release of Ibrahim Halawa. I keep the Government fully updated on developments. I will take further action in consultation with An Taoiseach, as and when appropriate, in line with our key focus in this case of securing the best interests of the citizen. I attach the highest priority to ensuring that Ibrahim Halawa's welfare is addressed. Embassy officials led by our ambassador to Egypt, Damien Cole, visit Ibrahim Halawa on a regular basis in order to monitor his welfare. The most recent visit took place on 3 July.

This is a very difficult time for the Halawa family, as it would be for any family in these circumstances. We liaise closely with the Halawa family and we will continue to work with them to make positive progress towards our shared goal, which is the return home of Ibrahim Halawa.

Perhaps more than many Deputies in this House, I feel a deep sense of frustration that this case is dragging on with such an uncertain timetable. Over the past two years, not a week has passed that I have not been involved in a conversation, a meeting or a debate concerning the plight of Ibrahim Halawa. During moments of acute frustration I remind myself what is the objective here and what are the best means of achieving that objective. It is to get Ibrahim Halawa released, and to achieve it through measured, firm and relentless diplomacy. We all need to stay focused on this objective. I welcome this debate here this afternoon and the contributions of the Deputies.

I acknowledge this is a complex case. There are differing views in this House and we have had them expressed not only today, but during the course of Question Time and on regular occasions during the past two years. My door is always open to any Member of this House who believes he or she can offer constructive advice in regard to achieving our shared objective of returning Ibrahim Halawa home to Ireland to his family.

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