Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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486. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to make a representation to the Egyptian authorities regarding a person (details supplied) who has been incarcerated without trial for almost three years and who is now on a hunger strike which is in danger of causing irreparable damage to the person's health and well being; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42740/15]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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487. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to progress the issue of the ongoing imprisonment in Egypt of a person (details supplied); the supports he is providing to the person's family here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42879/15]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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490. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to pursue the case of a person (detail supplied); his plans in view of the pending trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43023/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 486, 487 and 490 together.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a clear strategy in this case which is focused on achieving a positive outcome at the earliest time possible for this citizen. That strategy is based on two key objectives: Firstly, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, secondly, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.

In furtherance of these objectives, I have intensively engaged with the Egyptian authorities, including the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Egypt's Ambassador to Ireland, and with EU and international partners, including High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Federica Mogherini. The Taoiseach also raised the case in person on two occasions with Egyptian President al-Sisi. The information we receive from all of these contacts is carefully considered and used in reviewing our approach to this case on a constant basis.

Significant resources in Cairo and in Dublin continue to be deployed in the provision of comprehensive consular assistance to both the citizen and their family. I would also note that Embassy officials visited this citizen in detention most recently on 23 November. 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 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to review its approach and retains the flexibility to adjust it as and when that may be required, but the Government's approach is guided at all times by the two key objectives set out above.