The trial of Ibrahim Halawa was delayed again last month for the 24th time and has now been rescheduled for 4 July. By that stage Ibrahim will have been almost four years in Egyptian prisons and the impact of this on his physical and mental health has been enormous. The Government's diplomatic efforts thus far have been deeply disappointing and totally inadequate. In a letter written to the Taoiseach this week, Ibrahim writes of entering a dark tunnel and of four years of torture, suffering and pain. Will the Taoiseach commit to increasing our diplomatic efforts? Will he speak directly to the Egyptian President? Will he seek support at this week's European Council meeting for increased pressure on the Egyptian Government to release this Irish and EU citizen? Ibrahim Halawa was only 17 when he sought shelter in the al-Fateh mosque in Cairo. No young person should have to live through his experience since then. Will the Taoiseach respond to his letter and will he substantially increase our diplomatic efforts for his release, as I have outlined?

I second that call. I want to add specifically that the Taoiseach should talk to the Greek Prime Minister at the European Council. Our understanding is that it is Greek opposition to having European monitoring of the case which is stopping it. We need the European monitor there on 4 July to put on the pressure to get him out. Will the Taoiseach specifically bring this up with the Greek Prime Minister and report back to the House, whatever answer he gives?

Ibrahim Halawa is an Irish citizen who has been detained without trial in Egypt for four years. That, to me, is something that is utterly unacceptable. He was detained when he was 17 years old and was a minor. I think a lot of work has been done by the authorities, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and others, to assist in his release. I know the Ceann Comhairle led a delegation with regard to that and carried out a very important role in the efforts to ensure he is released and given a pardon. The current state of play is that this cannot happen until the trial happens but the trial keeps on being delayed, which has us in a very difficult situation at the moment.

He wrote to me last week and I have read the letter. I welcome the fact that in the letter he said he has ended his hunger strike.

I will set aside some time next week to consider what additional options or measures could be taken by the Government to assist in his early release but, of course, I do not want to do anything that might turn out to be counterproductive so I need to study it a little more myself.

Will the Taoiseach report back on it?

I will of course. In regard to meeting the Greek Prime Minister, it will be my first European Council meeting and I am not sure exactly how they work, but if there is an opportunity to have a discussion with him I will do so.

Start as you mean to go on.