The government has been urged to appoint a new ambassador to Egypt as soon as possible, in order to maintain pressure for the release of an Irish citizen.

Ibrahim Halawa (19) has now been detained in a jail in Cairo for almost two full years after attending a protest after a military coup there.

Mr Halawa is still awaiting a trial, after his court appearance was again pushed back last weekend.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has said: "In my many contacts with my Egyptian counterpart Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, I have emphasised the importance of due process in this case and have highlighted the government’s continued concern regarding the length of time our citizen has spent in detention while awaiting trial."

He also says he has "strongly reaffirmed" the government's interest in Mr Halwa's welfare.

But the government says while it is determined to secure his release, it cannot interfere with the judicial system in Egypt.

Speaking from Turkey, Ibrahim Halawa's sister Somaia says that attitude is naive.

MEP Lynn Boylan, who has just arrived back from Egypt after she met with Mr Halawa, says his Irish citizenship is one of the reasons he has not been treated as badly as others.

Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams says replacing Ireland's ambassador to Cairo, who retired a few months ago, would be a step towards getting Mr Halawa released.

Minister Flanagan says Irish officials have visited Mr Halawa 43 times, and that he is determined to continue working for a positive outcome.