Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking time out of his very busy schedule this week. We know that he has been involved in many other activities as part of his brief.

We all know the story of Ibrahim Halawa and the issues that arise from it. I remind the House that he is an Irish citizen. We know that his human rights are being violated and that the public at large is not quite convinced by the strategy of the Government. There is, as a result, considerable frustration. There are many associated sensitivities that might not always have been spoken about. However, the reality is that we have to go down the diplomatic route. A new course must be charted because it is clear that the softly-softly diplomatic approach, to which Senator Mark Daly referred, simply has not worked, yet we have to keep the channels of diplomacy open. There are many strands to government, international understandings and coexistence with countries throughout the world. These are facts that pepper and are found in every strand of our relations with other countries and we must respect this. That said, the human rights of Irish citizens have to be defended and protected. As Senator Mark Daly rightly said, Mr. Halawa is on the Amnesty International list of prisoners of conscience.

I implore the Minister to keep going and pursue other possible avenues. The public at large is not convinced. I have met many people in the Halawas' community who are involved with the mosque in Clonskeagh who have said to me they are not convinced. That is disappointing. I acknowledge, however, that there are sensitivities.The Minister is constrained but I wish him well. The pressure has to mount. I thank him for coming to the House.