Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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329. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the additional efforts which could be made by his Department to raise a person's (details supplied) case at European and international level; if he will explore these in order to raise this person's plight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35963/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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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 appropriate channels.

Our immediate and ongoing efforts are focused on pressing the case with the Egyptian authorities for a positive response to the application made in August under Presidential Decree 140. Both An Taoiseach and I are actively engaging with the Egyptian Government and are continuing our determined efforts to see this citizen released at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, our Embassy in Cairo is providing consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.

In addition to engagement with the Egyptian authorities, the Government has also been engaging on an ongoing basis with other states who have had citizens in similar situations, with individual European and international partners, and with the European Union.

I have engaged extensively with the EU High Representative, Ms Federica Mogherini, who – at my request - has personally raised this citizen’s case with the Egyptian Government. I have also corresponded with HRVP Mogherini regarding the aforementioned application for release under Presidential Decree 140.

We also engage with a range of third parties with relevant experience or expertise including maintaining contact with individuals who have been detained in similar circumstances and their legal representatives, and we carefully take on board their knowledge, views and opinions. There is also constant consultation with this citizen’s family, his lawyers in Ireland and Egypt and experts from civil society and NGOs.

The Government strategy is under continuous review. The key principle guiding our approach is what stands the best chance of making positive progress for this Irish citizen. It is the Government's considered position, supported by decades of diplomatic experience and extensive consultation with States which have had citizens in similar circumstances, that our sustained and firm diplomatic efforts provide the best means of securing Ibrahim Halawa’s return to Ireland.

The Government will remain resolute in pursuing its clear objectives in this case and what we firmly believe to be in this citizen’s best interest and to be most likely to contribute to a positive outcome for him.