Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
112. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if additional tougher sanctions will be issued by the EU on Iran due to its role in providing weapons and-or ammunition to Russia for its war against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16689/23]
View answerThe sanctions adopted in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Ireland has consistently supported strong sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine.
A number of Iranian individuals and entities are subject to restrictive measures in relation to the use of Iranian drones in Russian aggression under the EU’s Ukraine Territorial Integrity sanctions regime. Iranian individuals and entities listed include government representatives as well as security force members, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In all, the EU has adopted ten sanctions packages in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, trade restrictions, the de-Swifting of Russian banks, broadcasting bans and other extensive measures. Further restrictive measures will be considered in the coming months as the situation continues to develop. Ireland works with our EU partners to ensure that all sanctions are targeted and, where necessary, contain clear exemptions for humanitarian actors.
Since 2011, the EU has also applied sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations in Iran. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor developments in Iran and Ukraine, and to raise our concerns consistently and directly with the Iranian government. We will maintain close coordination with our partners in the EU to ensure there is a joint, coordinated, and clear response to the actions of the Iranian authorities.
