Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the protocols or actions that have been taken to prevent the abuse of workers in embassies and ambassadorial residences based here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am strongly committed to the protection of the rights of domestic workers in Ireland, including those employed by diplomatic staff.

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, it is the duty of all persons enjoying diplomatic privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the host State. Consistent with its obligations under the Vienna Convention, my Department works to ensure that the law is upheld and my Department will assist, as appropriate, in any investigation being undertaken by the relevant Irish authorities.

I have been proactive in the promotion of best employment practices. On 12 September last, I introduced new guidelines for diplomatic staff who intend to employ private domestic workers. This is a specific category of worker who is employed by an individual member of a mission rather than by the sending State.

While I believe that the majority of diplomatic staff in Ireland already follows good practice, it is best practice internationally to provide clear employment guidelines and a framework for their implementation.

These new guidelines were developed following a consultative process involving other Departments and State agencies, including the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) and An Garda Síochána. I welcome also the contribution of Migrant Rights Centre Ireland to the process. I believe that the adoption of these guidelines is consistent with Ireland’s ratification in July 2014 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, of 2011.

These guidelines, which set out clearly expectations regarding payment, employment records, health insurance and social security, can be accessed on my Department’s website. I am fully committed to monitoring their implementation.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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19. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he is taking to secure the release of Irish teenager Ibrahim Halawa, a prisoner of conscience, detained with 493 others in Egypt following protests in August 2013, in view of the fact that their trial has been postponed for a third time and the communications this Government has had, including responses with the Egyptian regime in addition to representations made at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2657/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I remain deeply concerned at this individual’s continued detention as well as the recent further postponement of his trial.

Previous PQs have set out my approach to this case in some details and the steps taken. Most recently I discussed the case with EU High Representative Mogherini in Dublin on 12 January. She confirmed that the EU and its institutions would continue to assist in this case.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to this individual and his family, and will continue to work on this difficult case with a view to securing a review of the individual’s case, his release and return to his family.