299. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade where Ireland is actively strengthening bilateral relations with a country, her views on whether it reasonable to ask how unresolved human rights cases involving Irish children are being addressed within that engagement, specifically with regard to Egypt; whether sufficient political and diplomatic weight is being applied to secure outcomes rather than assurances in the case of Irish citizen children separated from their mother; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37921/26]

I can assure the Deputy that I am attentive to the specific case he refers to and receive regular updates on the matter. Officials in my Department including at the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo have provided extensive and sustained consular assistance over a number of years since this case emerged and it has been raised at the highest political and diplomatic levels. I can further assure the Deputy that officials in my Department are in frequent contact with the Irish citizen in this case.

In line with the Consular Assistance Charter, my Department is not in a position to provide legal advice, represent citizens legally or intervene in the judicial processes of another country. My Department has encouraged the Irish citizen concerned to continue to engage with their local legal representative who will be best placed to advise on the laws as they relate to their case.

Ireland enjoys strong bilateral relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt and last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. I held constructive talks in Cairo with my Egyptian counterpart in January 2026 and the Taoiseach met the Egyptian President as recently as last month. Given the nature of the consular case, I can assure the deputy that the matter was raised in both interactions. We have consistently raised the matter, at the highest level, in our bilateral contacts with Egypt.

While my Department cannot interfere in legal or custodial matters, my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to the citizen and to keep me informed on developments in this case.