Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their contributions. I have taken careful note of what has been said. I assure everybody that this case remains a highest priority in my Department and that I will continue to do everything possible to secure the release of Ibrahim Halawa and to see him return home as soon as possible. When I say "everything", let me assure the House that includes all options, some of which have been mentioned here this evening.

I acknowledge that this is a most difficult time for the Halawa family, as it would be for any family in the circumstances. As a father, I am particularly conscious of the points raised in respect of the difficulties, the trauma, the upset and the anxiety, and that is not lost in terms of the engagement of my Department.

We are liaising closely with the Halawa family. We will continue to work in a spirit of co-operation with them in order to make more positive progress towards our shared goal. Indeed, it is the goal of everybody who spoke this afternoon and it is also the goal of Senators who did not have the opportunity to contribute.

A further meeting between officials of my Department and the Halawa family will take place in the coming days and we will review the latest developments and options for future actions in this regard. I and my officials, including the Irish ambassador, H.E. Damien Cole, in Cairo, will continue to engage intensively with the Egyptian authorities to underline strongly and in clear terms our concerns about this case, particulars of which have been evidenced by the contributions this afternoon, and our desire to be in a position to see real progress towards the return of Ibrahim Halawa to his family in Dublin.

I attach the highest priority in the meantime to ensuring that Mr. Halawa's health and welfare are attended to. In this regard, officials from the embassy are arranging a further consular visit to Ibrahim Halawa in his place of detention over coming days.

I thank again thank Senators for their contributions. I would be happy to keep in close contact with Members of the Upper House in this regard. I assure any Senator who feels he or she has advice of a constructive nature to offer that same will be more than welcome by myself and by my officials.