Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I advised the House on previous occasions, our approach is under continuous review. It is informed and shaped by, inter alia, co-ordination and dialogue with the legal representatives of the citizen and his family members and my discussions with Members of the House. We also rely on the experience and expertise of our departmental officials and our consultations with other states which had citizens in similar situations as well as the advice of legal and human rights experts on the international stage. The circumstances have somewhat changed now because presidential decree No. 140 has been invoked. I expressed my serious disappointment that a recent hearing date did not give rise to either a court hearing much less a satisfactory conclusion or any conclusion. I understand the due date is now 12 November and I will be in contact with the authorities prior to that date. We are making every effort politically and diplomatically to provide for the health and welfare of the young man while in custody as well as to ensure that the court regime is such that the judge and judicial process are in a position to advance matters on 12 November.

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