The Taoiseach has spoken directly to the President of Egypt to raise concerns about the treatment of Ibrahim Halawa.

The news came as the Dáil discussed an all-party motion calling for a full diplomatic effort to have him returned to Ireland.

The Firhouse native has been awaiting trial in Egypt for almost three years, but court proceedings have been delayed 14 times.

Foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan says Enda Kenny spoke directly to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi asking for his intervention: “The Government intends to lend its full and urgent support to further requests for release under presidential decree 14.

“We will continue to work actively in support of these efforts.

“In fact the Taoiseach conveyed this message to Egyptian president al-Sisi on Monday last, when he once again called him on this case.

“This was the third occasion that the Taoiseach has spoken to president al-Sisi n this matter.”