The Minister for Foreign Affairs has said the Government could seek a presidential pardon for Ibrahim Halawa once his trial has concluded.

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday evening, Charlie Flanagan said it was unrealistic to think that the 19-year-old would be released before the trial ends.

The Minister's comments come after Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams urged the Taoiseach to 'pick up the phone' and call his Egyptian counterpart to demand the release of Ibrahim.

Mr Halawa has been in custody in Cairo for almost 22 months and is currently on hunger strike.

His trial has been postponed seven times and another hearing is scheduled to take place on the 2nd of August.