Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This matter was raised on the Order of Business today. I wish to assure Deputy Ryan that this remains a priority consular case in my Department. We are now running at just under 3,000 consular cases per annum. I can say without a shadow of doubt or fear of contradiction that this is the case that is receiving the most priority in terms of resources and interest.

I am very concerned about the ongoing situation. Since the last adjournment of the case, I have had the opportunity to raise the issue directly with a number of my EU colleagues in Brussels, in particular the High Representative Foreign Affairs Council Chair, Frederica Mogherini. I have raised this issue consistently with her over the past number of years and I know she has raised the issue directly the Egyptian Government.

I also raised the issue as recently as last Monday week with a number of EU Foreign Ministers, in particular my colleague, Mr. Jean Asselborn, the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg and dean, or senior member, of the Foreign Affairs Council. I have also had the opportunity on a number of recent occasions to raise the issue with senior Members of the European Parliament which has adopted a resolution on this matter.

I am very concerned at the delay in bringing this trial to a conclusion. I acknowledge, however, that there was an element of progress at the last two hearings. Witnesses are being called, evidence is being heard and the case is proceeding. I regret that the next return date is not until July but I note that courts do not sit in Egypt during the Ramadan period. I look forward to an early conclusion of the case and assure the Deputy that I remain very active in relation to it.

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