I have no plans at present to close or otherwise alter our diplomatic accreditation to Egypt as a result of recent unrest in the country.The Irish Embassy in Cairo has continued operating throughout recent months and has provided the normal range of services to Irish citizens and businesses, as well as keeping my Department updated on the evolving situation, and representing the interests of the State. The safety of both diplomatic and local staff has been a concern during this period, and access to the Embassy has sometimes been difficult, especially for local staff. My Department has monitored this position closely, in consultation with the Embassy, and we have not so far had to consider closure. Deputies will be aware in recent weeks of the Embassy’s work in relation to the case of four Irish-national siblings currently detained in Cairo. The Embassy has liaised closely with the family and visited the detained citizens on several occasions. This work continues and would obviously be impossible without a working Embassy in the country.
From a political perspective, it is more important than ever to keep diplomatic relations and communications open. Our Embassy enables us to deliver strong and direct messages to the Egyptian authorities. It also allows us to remain fully up-to-date with developments on the ground. Egypt remains in a state of transition and faces difficult choices. Egyptians are anxious about the future of their country. In my discussions with EU partners at the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Egypt on 21 August, there was wide agreement that we needed to remain firmly engaged with Egypt, and to deliver clear messages, both of concern at some recent developments but also a great willingness to extend neighbourly assistance to Egypt at this time. No EU partner has closed their Embassy in Cairo.
