Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Leader of the Opposition on this issue. The delay is worrying and the continuing detention of our citizen is unfair and unjust. On the specific questions posed by the Deputy, I raised the issue only last week at EU level with a number of EU foreign affairs colleagues, as well as with High Representative Mogherini and expressed the concern of the Irish people and Government. I meet on a weekly basis with the Egyptian ambassador who is in no doubt about the Government's position on the issue. I am concerned about the further adjournment until 4 July, but the reason for such a lengthy adjournment is Ramadan. In Egypt the courts do not as a rule sit during that season. In the meantime, the welfare and health of our citizen are very much to the fore and we are making representations and monitoring the position on a daily basis.

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