Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013
50. Deputy John Halligan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has intervened with the Egyptian Government to demand the release of four Irish citizens who are being held in an Egyptian prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47710/13]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo has provided consular assistance to the four citizens in question since their initial detention in Egypt on 17 August 2013. The Egyptian authorities are still reviewing this case. A decision to extend their period of detention for a further fifteen days was taken initially on 1 September and again on 14 September to allow more time for investigations to be completed. On 29 September, their detention was extended for a further 45 days. I understand that they are due in court today for a review of the detention orders.
I raised their situation with the Egyptian Foreign Minister yesterday, 11 November, during a telephone conversation. I expressed my concern at the length of their detention, the uncertainty surrounding the specific charges against the siblings and the length of time that it was taking for a decision to be made as to whether they would be tried or released. I also expressed our sincere hope and expectation that the situation will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion in the near future. It would be inappropriate, however, for the Government to demand their release as this would constitute interference in the judicial process of another country.
The Embassy is in regular contact with the appropriate Egyptian authorities. Ambassador Moylan called on the Assistant Minister for Consular Affairs at the Foreign Ministry on 22 September to discuss the case and on 10 October she met with officials from the Ministry of Justice. On 22 October she met with the Office of the Prosecutor General in Cairo.
Since their detention the Embassy has been allowed consular access to the siblings on a number of occasions. The first consular visit took place on 20 August. Further consular visits were made to one sibling on 24 August, 8 September, 15 September, 10 October, 24 October, 30 October and 10 November and to the three sisters on the 25 August, 5 September, 18 September, 13 October, 24 October, 30 October and 10 November.
Consular officials in Dublin met with family representatives, on 17 August, 19 September and 24 October 2013 and continually update them on all developments in the case. However, the family has been made aware of the limitations faced by the Embassy in such cases and that we are prohibited from becoming involved in legal matters which is a matter for their legal representation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to advise Irish citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Egypt at this time. If, against our advice, Irish citizens decide to travel to Egypt they should register their travel and contact details with the Department via their website.
