Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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This case remains the top consular priority of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and very significant resources continue to be deployed to support this citizen and his family.

The trial in which he is a defendant was back in court twice in the past ten days – on 4 July and again on 9 July - for further hearings. Our Embassy team was in the court to observe the proceedings, as they have been at every hearing in the case, and reported to me on developments.

The latest hearings saw further progress in the case. The last of the prosecution witnesses have now been called.

Our understanding is that the defence lawyers, including our Irish citizen’s representative, will soon have their opportunity to present their case on behalf of their clients.

I had a telephone conversation on 9 July with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. I underlined in the strongest possible terms the Government’s position on this case and our determination to see our citizen back in Ireland with his family as soon as possible. I will be continuing to look at the case in detail, and engaging with key relevant parties, including representatives of the Egyptian Government at all appropriate levels.

Our Embassy team is making arrangements to attend at the next hearing, on 16 July, and officials at the Embassy in Cairo are also preparing the paperwork for the necessary permits to pay a further consular visit to this citizen in the coming weeks.

Officials from my Department have been in contact with this citizen’s family and Irish legal representative a number of times in recent days. Updates have been provided to them on the developments in the court case and on my contact with Minister Shoukry.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department will be continuing to work day-in and day-out to secure this individual’s return to Ireland at the earliest possible moment. This is our objective, and we are working relentlessly in order to achieve that outcome.