The government is to send an independent medical expert to assess Ibrahim Halawa in prison in Egypt

The Dubliner's health is understood to be deteriorating rapidly - his family says he's receiving glucose injections to keep him alive.

The 21 year old has been detained since August 2013.

The cabinet discussed his case yesterday and has decided to ask Egypt to allow an independent medical expert access to him in prison.  The Chief medical examiner will appoint a doctor.

His trial is listed for hearing in Cairo today along with almost 500 others, however it has already been postponed 19 times.

The 21 year old has spent more than 3 years in jail, following his arrest at a demonstration to protest the toppling of Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi. 

Minister Katherine Zappone says they are worried for his health.