Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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364. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the welfare of a person (details supplied) who is being detained and awaiting trial in Egypt and what he is doing to secure this person's release. [8187/16]

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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368. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts he is making with the Egyptian authorities to bring about the early release of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8433/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 368 together.

The Government and my Department have been pursuing 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: first, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, second, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.

In furtherance of these objectives, both I and my officials continue to engage intensively with the Egyptian authorities and our international partners, including the EU and third countries who have had experiences of citizens in similar situations. The Taoiseach has raised the case in person on two occasions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, while I have had several interactions with my Egyptian counterpart and with the Ambassador of Egypt in Dublin. Our Ambassador in Cairo, Damien Cole, is similarly proactive on this citizen’s behalf.

I fully understand the distress that is caused to this citizen and his family by his lengthy detention while awaiting a final outcome of the trial. The Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our keen and sustained interest in the welfare of this citizen and the feedback we receive from all of these contacts is carefully considered and used in constantly reviewing our approach to this case.

Significant resources in Cairo and in Dublin continue to be deployed in the provision of consular assistance to both this citizen and his family. The most recent consular visit to the citizen was conducted on Sunday 17 April; such visits remain a core element of our ongoing monitoring and support for this citizen’s welfare. Close contact is also maintained with the family of this citizen and their legal representatives in Cairo and Dublin. The most recent meeting between officials of my Department and the family took place on 20 April.

I would also note that the Irish Embassy in Cairo has been present at all trial hearings to date and will continue to monitor the trial process. The next hearing is scheduled for 29 June.

In the context of the two objectives outlined, the Government will continue to make determined efforts to resolve this case in the best interests of this citizen.