Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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862. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has formally discussed the Government's decision to back an appeal for a person's (details supplied) release by presidential decree under law 140 with his Egyptian counterpart; and if there have been any developments in this case. [26303/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that securing this citizen’s return home to Ireland has been, and continues to be, a top priority for the Government.

In this regard, we are proactively using all the diplomatic tools that are available to us to ensure that the Egyptian Government at the highest levels fully understand the importance that the Irish Government attaches to the resolution of this case. The Government is continuing to pursue every constructive avenue to secure the release of this citizen and we will continue to bring all of our influence to bear on his behalf through all effective channels.

Following the hearing on 29 June, I expressed disappointment and concern at the further delay in this trial. The next hearing is expected to be held on 2 October.

The Government formally supported the application made by the citizen’s legal team in 2015 for his return to Ireland under the Presidential Decree 140. In August 2016, An Taoiseach and I have both provided full and urgent support to the new Decree 140 application prepared by this citizen and his legal team.

An Taoiseach has written to the Egyptian President confirming the Irish Government’s support for the new application under Decree 140. I have also written to Foreign Minister Shoukry in support of this application and have sought his personal support and assistance in this regard.

While no formal response has been received to the application as yet, the Egyptian Government position has consistently been that the separation of powers must be respected and that the Executive cannot intervene while the case is before the judiciary; they have said that a political intervention will only be considered when the case is out of the hands of the judges.

Further contacts with the Egyptian Government at political level are being pursued. We will continue to offer all appropriate supports to the efforts of this citizen’s lawyers to secure his release.