Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
28. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); the length the Government are prepared to go to ensure that this person is released; the progress the Irish diplomatic service has made to date; the consular assistance that has been provided to this person, and his family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19330/15]
View answerThis Irish citizen’s trial, having been postponed a number of times, has commenced. The next hearing is due to take place on 3 June.
At the last hearing of the trial, the citizen’s application for bail, an application formally supported by the Irish Government, was 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 provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.
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.
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 citizen will be a decision that is made solely by the Egyptian authorities.
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.
Officials in my Department remain in ongoing contact with the Egyptian authorities and will continue to provide consular support both to the citizen himself and to his family in Ireland in the run up to the next scheduled hearing on 3 June, and to take all appropriate action that is in his best interests.
