Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I wish to raise the case of Sean Binder. He is 24 years old and hails from Togher, County Cork. He was a classmate of mine in Trinity College. For the past year he worked for an international non-governmental organisation, NGO, called the Emergency Response Centre International on the Greek island of Lesbos. He co-ordinated search and rescue activities to provide emergency assistance to incoming refugees who landed on the island.

Last August, Sean was arrested by the Greek authorities and now stands accused of involvement in human trafficking, money laundering, espionage and membership of a criminal organisation. He potentially faces 20 years in prison. Sean denies all of the charges made against him. He is being held in a Greek prison where his family and friends are deeply concerned for his safety. He can be held for up to 18 months without being charged or sent to trial. His mother has launched a public campaign and called on the Irish State to exert pressure and influence to guarantee her son's safety. I hope that all of Members will support her call. Sean is a young man who lived all his life in Ireland. He graduated from university in Dublin. Following the conclusion of his studies he decided to travel to Greece and dedicate his time and energy to literally pulling refugees from the Mediterranean Sea. We have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of this young man. I ask the Leader to communicate to the Tánaiste the urgency with which this case needs to be treated and ask for an update on consular efforts or progress that has been made.