Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today is a very special one for Ibrahim Halawa whose trial is pending. I have been in touch with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to find out exactly what the progress is and if it is happening at this point. They are about one hour ahead there. I have been trying to get through to the ambassador in Cairo but have failed to do that. This situation is beyond belief. An Irish citizen has been in prison in Cairo for four years and has not had a proper trial. His trial in court has been delayed 22 times. We all know about the case. Every Member of the Seanad and the Dáil has been supportive of the case for the release of Ibrahim Halawa without delay. This has gone on for far too long. The Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl, led an all-party delegation to Cairo some months ago to plead Ibrahim's case. The Egyptian President has given a commitment that when the trial is finished, Ibrahim will be released on humanitarian grounds, but there has been no progress in this respect. It is hard to believe that we are allowing one of our own citizens to remain in Egypt, which was such an advanced society in the past with the Pharaohs and its tremendous history, for four years without a proper and immediate trial. Justice delayed is justice denied. I know the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade have been very active and have written letters but maybe the President might intervene at this point. I know the President is above politics but he is a man who may have influence with the President of Egypt. All we can do today is hope that the trial will proceed and that Ibrahim will be acquitted and return to his home as quickly as possible. All we can do today is send best wishes to him and his family and to work with a united approach to bring Ibrahim Halawa home.