Senator urges Taoiseach to secure release of Ibrahim Halawa

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is being urged to contact the President of Egypt to secure the release of Ibrahim Halawa.

The 20-year-old Dubliner's trial is due to take place today, it will be the 13th time Ibrahim is set to appear before the Egyptian courts.

He has been held in jail since he was arrested for taking part in a protest in Cairo in August 2013.

Senator Mark Daly says Mr Kenny needs to follow the example of other world leaders.

He said: "The Taoiseach should follow the example of others, like the Australian Prime Minister who showed great leadership and courage and took on the Egyptian authorities and was very forceful in it.

"Unlike our Taoiseach, he secured the release of Peter Greste, and no Irish citizen should be facing that situation."