The prosecution in the mass trial of Irish man Ibrahim Halawa has concluded its case.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney says he is hopeful the defendants will now have a chance to set out their arguments.

Irish embassy officials were present in the court to observe and monitor the trial proceedings.

Mr Halawa, from Firhouse in Dublin, has been held in an Egyptian jail since his arrest during demonstrations against the ousting of president Mohammed Morsi in August 2013.

He faces trial alongside 493 other defendants.

Minister Coveney says: "I welcome the fact that we have now reached the end of the prosecution case.

"I also welcome the fact that the defendants and their lawyers will now have their opportunity to set out their arguments responding to the prosecution case and evidence.

The judge has announced that the next hearing will take place on August 1st.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister Coveney met Mr Halawa’s family last week.

On the meeting, Mr Coveney says: "We gave them strong reassurances that we will continue to maintain pressure in order to ensure that this issue is resolved, and that this young Irish citizen is returned to his home and his family as soon as possible.

"I told them on that occasion - and I want to underline again today - that this case will remain our highest priority until it is resolved."