The government's been urged to appoint a new ambassador to Egypt as soon as possible - in order to secure the release of an Irish citizen.

The call comes from Sinn Féin, who say Dublin teenager Ibrahim Halawa could face tougher prison conditions if Ireland doesn't keep up the pressure to have him released.

Halawa's family say the government needs to change its tactics in seeking his release from prison.

While the government says it must wait for the judicial process to conclude in Egypt, Ibrahim's sister Somaia says there is no functioning judicial system there following the 2013 coup.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for the Today FM National Lunchtime News: