Taoiseach discussed Halawa case with Egyptian president

Mr Varadkar expressed his disappointment at the further adjournment of the trial on Monday.

He also made clear that his priority was to secure Mr Halawa’s return to Ireland as soon as possible, regardless of the trial outcome.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach’s office said: “President Al-Sisi emphasised that his Government could not interfere in a judicial process but gave the Taoiseach his word that he would resolve the matter swiftly within the Egyptian constitutional and legal framework once the trial concludes and the verdict is known.

“Both leaders looked forward to this matter being brought to an early and satisfactory conclusion so that they could concentrate on broader and normal bilateral relations between Ireland and Egypt, in areas like trade, tourism and political cooperation, in the period ahead.”