The Taoiseach has told 98FM News that - whether he likes it or not - he can’t intervene in Ibrahim Halawa's case.
The Dublin teenager, who's been in prison in Egypt for almost two years, has gone on hunger strike.
The 19-year-old was arrested at a political protest while on holiday in Cairo; he's facing the death penalty as part of a mass trial which has been repeatedly delayed.
Enda Kenny says he can’t interfere in Egypt's legal process admitting that he is "very conscious of this, but I'm also conscious I have to say that whether I like it or I don't, it's the legal system of Egypt that applies here".
"I have to be very careful not to say anything or do anything that would make that situation worse", the Taoiseach added.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Egypt have visited Ibrahim 40 times since his imprisonment, and the teenager's mother is also in the country and, while separated from him, can visit on a regular basis.
Enda Kenny says he doesn't "like a situation where anybody is on hunger strike" and has told 98FM News that he hopes "that can end quickly".
The Taoiseach also hopes that "we can have an understanding that when a court case does take place that we can make some further progress in this case".
In a written statement to 98FM News, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that it is continuing "to provide strong consular support" for Ibrahim, and to "monitor his health and conditions".
Embassy officials strongly attempted to dissuade Ibrahim from his hunger strike, telling him it wouldn't help his case or his health. The advice to Ibrahim and his family was echoed by his lawyer.
The Department says it's been given information which leads it to believe that intervening in the case before an initial court hearing would be of no use.
The Halawa's can't expect a release anytime soon, as the mass trial has been repeatedly delayed for a number of reasons, including some of those charged not turning up to court.
"The next hearing is scheduled to take place on August 2nd and will again be attended by Embassy officials", the department said.
