asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the investigation he has carried out into allegations that a number of US citizens acting on behalf of the US Government, entered Iran using false Irish passports; the representation he has made to the US Government on the matter; if he has asked the US Government if its representatives misused Irish passports in this way; the measures, if any, he is taking to ensure that there is no repeat of this abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Misuse of Irish Passports.
20.
On 4 November my Department became aware of media reports alleging misuse of Irish passports by US personnel acting with the knowledge of the US authorities. Immediately on learning of these reports our embassies in Washington and Tehran were instructed to contact the US and Iranian authorities. I was also personally in contact with the US Ambassador to Ireland.
Following consideration of all the information from these conversations I sought a meeting with US Secretary of State, Shultz. The meeting took place in Vienna on 7 November. On behalf of the Government I told the Secretary of State that any misuse of Irish passports was totally unacceptable. The Secretary of State accepted that position.
Despite repeated requests to them, the Iranian authorities have not provided us with any information which might enable us to establish that Irish passports were used, as alleged.