Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
18. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 430 of 6 May 2015, if he will report on developments in the case of an Irish citizen (details supplied) detained in Egypt; if there has been further contact with the Egyptian Foreign Minister since the meeting in New York in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19308/15]
View answerI discussed this case with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry in New York on Monday 27 April, outlining Ireland’s concerns on the case and expressing our disappointment that a decision on the application for bail, an application formally supported by the Irish government, had been refused along with other bail applications in this case.
Our two objectives in this case remain clear: firstly, to see this Irish citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland, and secondly to maintain strong consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.
It is important to bear in mind the role of the Irish Government where citizens are imprisoned abroad. Irrespective of any views regarding the fairness or appropriateness of any arrest abroad, the reality is that where an Irish citizen is charged with an offence under the law of a foreign country, it is the foreign law that applies and it is the relevant foreign court which decides matters such as bail and release. The decision to release this person will be a decision that is made solely by the Egyptian authorities.
The considered approach and sustained action that I and my officials have taken in this case has been to further these objectives, and most importantly to avoid any action that could be counterproductive or detrimental to this citizen’s best interests.
Given that the trial is under way, the Irish Government must exercise restraint in its public comment. This is entirely consistent with our approach in other consular cases, in line with our clear objectives in this case and what we firmly believe to be in the citizen’s best interests and to be most likely to contribute to a positive outcome for him.
Our Embassy in Cairo undertook a further consular visit to the individual on 19 May. Separately officials in my Department discussed the case with the Egyptian Ambassador on 20 May. My Department will remain in ongoing contact with the Egyptian authorities and will continue to provide consular support in the run up to the next scheduled hearing on 3 June, and to take all appropriate action that is in this citizen’s best interests.
