Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with my colleague, Senator Michael Mullins, in regard to the young man who was falsely imprisoned in Egypt. We have to rely totally at this stage on the diplomatic efforts being made and led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Of course, there is no argument about the inhumane treatment that has been wrongfully doled out to that poor man. We all wish to see him free at the earliest possible stage. It is difficult for one country to circumvent the courts system and what we might think of it, whatever faults it may have, in another country. I am sure that learned legal man, Senator Thomas Byrne, would agree with me. As Senator Mullins has said, the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, is leading well on this issue. Some very inappropriate comments were made on the other side of the House this morning but we will pass over that.

On a separate matter, Senator Mark Daly will, no doubt, be glad to hear we will sit four days, rather than five, next week because, as the Leader has explained and I have no doubt will explain again, a Bill will not be ready on Monday. That is not our fault but that of the other House. I am surprised-----