Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The family would appreciate that. I also wish Deirdre Clune success as a Member of the European Parliament. Our colleagues, Senators Byrne and Mullen, put up a great fight and they deserve credit for working so hard to put their case to the people.

I wish to raise the issue of the young Irishman, Ibrahim Halawa, who has been in jail in Cairo for 295 days. He was injured in riots. I appeal to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who might have a bit more time in the next few weeks, to dedicate the remaining weeks of his time as Tánaiste to getting this Irishman released.

He has not done enough and I do not see why he cannot go to Cairo to demand the release of this young Irishman who was badly treated. He was shot in the hand, but the injury was not treated. His finger is still injured, yet we are standing idly by. I am surprised at the Labour Party which seems to be more concerned about leadership battles than an Irishman stuck in a Cairo jail. I suggest the Tánaiste work on this problem. He has an opportunity to go out in a blaze of glory, although not electorally, but he might get one man out of gaol, which would be a great contribution. As a Senator, I once visited Greece to help to get a man out of gaol. I hope the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will use his influence to do something about this case.