Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
548. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been imprisoned in Mashhad Central Prison in Iran since 3 October 2022; the communications he has had with Iranian officials; the attempts that have been made to have them released from prison; the supports his Department has made available to their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13622/23]
View answer582. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to secure the release of an Irish citizen imprisoned in another jurisdiction (details supplied). [14004/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 582 together.
I remain extremely concerned about the continued detention of this Irish citizen, especially given his ill health. I can assure the Deputy that the citizen's release remains a strong priority for me and my Department.
To that end, there continues to be extensive engagement by the Government with the authorities in Iran on the case, including through my own discussions with the Foreign Minister of Iran.
In our engagement we are stressing the urgent importance of the citizen being released from prison on humanitarian grounds, in light of his deteriorating medical condition.
My Department is providing ongoing consular support and assistance to the citizen, and to his family - with whom I have been in direct contact. We are liaising with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the specific details of the case.
