Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
773. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied), in view of the Taoiseach's statements to Dáil Éireann on 14 May 2015, specifically regarding the charges against the person and the scheduled hearings on the case; if he has discussed this specific matter with his Egyptian counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19860/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Taoiseach informed the Dáil on 14 May, at the most recent hearing in this case our Embassy in Cairo was advised by this individual’s lawyers that he is facing differing charges than some other defendants in the group trial.
This information has been subsequently re-confirmed to the Embassy, and we are informed that the most serious charges applied to some of the group do not apply to this individual. However, the charges faced by this individual must nonetheless be addressed and my Department is seeking further clarification on their likely implications.
I most recently discussed the case with my Egyptian counterpart on 27 April and we agreed to keep our channels of communication open.
Given that this trial is underway, the Irish government must exercise restraint in its public comment. This is entirely consistent with our approach in other consular cases, what we firmly believe to be in this Irish citizen’s best interests, and to be most likely to contribute to a positive outcome for him.
The next hearing of the trial is due to take place on 3 June. Embassy officials have been in attendance at each of his hearings so far and will attend again on 3 June. Officials in my Department will continue to provide consular support both to the citizen himself and to his family and to take all appropriate action that is in his best interests.
