Middle East

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (837)

Bríd Smith

Question:

837. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the detention of a person (details supplied) with the Ambassador and officials of the Egyptian Embassy in Ireland; if he will convey concerns in relation to the continued detention of the person and the lack of engagement with their family on their location or status; if he will convey the concerns of human rights advocates regarding the treatment of prisoners in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18259/21]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The Embassy of Ireland in Cairo, in conjunction with EU colleagues, routinely monitors arrests and detentions of human rights defenders, including in this case.

Human rights issues, in particular those regarding arrests, detention and the treatment of prisoners, form part of Ireland's regular engagement with Egypt. At the Human Rights Council in March 2021, Ireland co-signed a joint statement which expressed deep concern at the use of terrorism legislation to detain human rights defenders and civil society activists in Egypt.