Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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16. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the rising tensions and violence in Macedonia; that leaked wiretaps have shown massive violations of human rights, and abuse of power by the current government; that this has caused public outrage and street protests, calling for the government’s resignation; that separate clashes with an armed group in a town in the north of Macedonia left 22 persons dead; and if he discussed the destabilising situation, and current events, with his European counterparts. [19340/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I have been deeply troubled by the worsening situation in Macedonia for some time, and the subject was discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels yesterday. We are very concerned about the situation, both at the events of the weekend of 9^thand 10^thMay, and the wider political instability facing the country. Ministers agreed to monitor the situation closely, and the High Representative indicated that the matter will be discussed again by the Council in the near future.

The protracted crisis in Macedonia was highlighted by the violent clashes which occurred ten days ago (9-10 May) during a police operation against an alleged terrorist group. Kumanovo, where these appalling events occurred, is close to Macedonia’s border with Kosovo and Serbia. During the two-day shoot-out, 22 people were killed, and some 40 were injured. I extend my condolences to the families of all those who died.

In the immediate aftermath of these events, EU Commissioner Hahn issued a statement calling on ‘the authorities and all political and community leaders to co-operate, to restore calm and fully investigate the events in an objective and transparent manner’. I fully support that call. In the interests of the country and the stability of the region as a whole, I urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any further escalation of violence.

This incident took place against a backdrop of wider political instability, which has been of concern for some time. The difficulties caused by the ongoing boycott of Parliament by the opposition since late 2012 were further compounded by the recent wire-tapping scandal, with the opposition accusing the main government party of engaging in an illegal surveillance programme of over 20,000 people. Ireland supports calls for a prompt and rigorous investigation into all allegations of wrongdoing, with full respect for the principles of due process and freedom of expression.

Last month, the EU General Affairs Council expressed grave concern regarding the deteriorating situation in the country and urged all sides to focus on finding solutions to the ongoing political crisis.

We welcome all efforts to redress the situation and restore stability. We believe that continued EU engagement is even more necessary than ever in view of the events in Kumanovo.

It is important to continue work to restore trust in the institutions of Macedonia in order to avoid further instability, and we welcome all efforts in this regard, including those of the European Parliament, which has been facilitating talks between the government and opposition parties. I hope that the talks in recent days between the four largest political parties in Macedonia can find a way out of the current political crisis.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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18. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 430 of 6 May 2015, if he will report on developments in the case of an Irish citizen (details supplied) detained in Egypt; if there has been further contact with the Egyptian Foreign Minister since the meeting in New York in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19308/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I discussed this case with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry in New York on Monday 27 April, outlining Ireland’s concerns on the case and expressing our 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 this case.

Our two objectives in this case remain clear: firstly, to see this Irish citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland, and secondly to maintain strong consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.

It is important to bear in mind the role of the Irish Government where citizens are imprisoned abroad. Irrespective of any views regarding the fairness or appropriateness of any arrest abroad, the reality is that where an Irish citizen is charged with an offence under the law of a foreign country, it is the foreign law that applies and it is the relevant foreign court which decides matters such as bail and release. The decision to release this person will be a decision that is made solely by the Egyptian authorities.

The considered approach and sustained action that I and my officials have taken in this case has been to further these objectives, and most importantly to avoid any action that could be counterproductive or detrimental to this citizen’s best interests.

Given that the trial is under way, the Irish Government must exercise restraint in its public comment. This is entirely consistent with our approach in other consular cases, in line with our clear objectives in this case and what we firmly believe to be in the citizen’s best interests and to be most likely to contribute to a positive outcome for him.

Our Embassy in Cairo undertook a further consular visit to the individual on 19 May. Separately officials in my Department discussed the case with the Egyptian Ambassador on 20 May. My Department will remain in ongoing contact with the Egyptian authorities and 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 this citizen’s best interests.