Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is a commitment in the programme for Government that Ireland will play a part in promoting fundamental human rights, the rule of law and religious freedom across the globe through the European Union and the United Nations. We all agree with that commitment and, by and large, our diplomats have been very effective in promoting these objectives. However, every Deputy is equally clear and deeply concerned about the denial of fundamental human rights to Ibrahim Halawa, particularly now that his case has been deferred yet again. This is the 24th time his case has been deferred, which is a shocking undermining of his basic human rights and exceptionally unfair, given all of the previous commitments to allow the trial to proceed. His ongoing detention without trial and treatment while in prison speak to the core of the objective of the programme for Government. In that context, when did the Taoiseach last speak to the Prime Minister of Egypt about progressing matters for Ibrahim Halawa? Has the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade sought to utilise the European Union and the United Nations to make combined efforts to secure justice in this case and bring some solace to Ibrahim Halawa's very frustrated family who feel helpless in the face of ongoing events.

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