The Minister for Foreign Affairs has said his department is providing ongoing consular assistance to Pat Hickey through the Irish Embassy and Consulate in Brazil.

However Charlie Flanagan stressed that his department cannot provide legal advice or interfere in the Brazilian judicial process.

The Hickey family released a statement through their solicitor expressing their concern about Pat Hickeys arrest and detention at a high security jail in Brazil without any charges being brought or any opportunity for bail.

They called on the Irish government to urgently intervene in the handling of his case.

They have sought urgent meetings with the Ministers for Sport and Foreign Affairs to discuss these issues, along with the circumstances of his arrest and the disclosure of evidence.

The Foreign Affairs Minister responded – saying he has agreed to meet with the Hickey family and arrangements will be made over the coming days.

However, Minister Flanagan stressed the Department cannot provide legal advice or interfere in any way in the judicial processes in another country.

It comes as the Olympic Council releases the terms of reference for its own inquiry.

It has appointed Grant Thornton to examine its handling of tickets for the Olympic games in Rio.

Athletes will be asked for submissions and the findings will be given to Justice Carroll Moran who is running the government inquiry.

The review is due to conclude by Monday October 10.