Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

430. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Sameh Shoukry, in New York in the United States of America; his views on any developments in the case of a person (details supplied) who is detained in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17349/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I met Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry in New York on Monday 27 April. I took the opportunity, as I have done on numerous occasions, to discuss this case with him in some detail and to outline Ireland's concerns regarding this case.

In our discussion I noted my disappointment that a decision on the application for bail, an application formally supported by the Irish government, had been refused along with other bail applications in the case.

I underlined once again to Minister Shoukry the Government's strong desire to see this young Irish citizen released by the Egyptian authorities as soon as possible so that he can return to his family and his studies in Dublin. Minister Shoukry emphasised that the matter was currently before the courts but that he was conscious of the Irish Government's concerns regarding this citizen's welfare. On the conditions of his ongoing detention, he undertook to pursue my concerns regarding this individual's welfare with the appropriate Egyptian authorities.

We agreed that our channels of communication would remain open about this important matter. I also emphasised to Minister Shoukry our strong desire to ensure our citizen's welfare for as long as he remains in detention, and it was clear that Minister Shoukry's Ministry will continue to facilitate active consular assistance and welfare access by our Embassy in Cairo.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide consular support in the run up to the next scheduled hearing on 3 June, and to take all appropriate action that is in his best interests.