Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Bacik's call for a debate on the proposed hate crime Bill. Earlier this year, our group tabled a Private Members' motion on that issue, particularly on the definition of a hate crime and, importantly, how to encourage the collection of statistics. We had a full debate on that in the Seanad. I am interested in the University of Limerick report, and I support Senator Bacik's call in that regard.

I wish to raise the unlawful detention of Irish citizen, Ibrahim Halawa, in an Egyptian jail for almost two years. Many Senators have raised this issue. I have great respect for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charlie Flanagan, but I ask that he come to the Seanad and offer us reassurance that the Government is doing everything possible to seek the release of this Irish citizen. I was concerned to hear on the news last Sunday that the human rights lawyers representing Ibrahim Halawa were not aware of any formal support from the Irish Government for a request by lawyers in Cairo for his release under a presidential decree. My concern is whether the Government is doing enough in this matter.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 80, motion 17, on the Order Paper be taken today, at the Minister's convenience, to allow Senators hear the latest view of the Government. I am not criticising the Government but we need to hear its latest opinion of the illegal detention of an Irish citizen in a foreign jail. He was a child of 17 when he was arrested and has endured arbitrary detention over two years, with no review. He is a prisoner of conscience detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and assembly. The Seanad must continue to put pressure on the Irish Government, but also on the Egyptian Government, to expedite his release and return him safely to this country.