Irish Prisoners Abroad

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Questions (146)

Paul Murphy

Question:

146. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in relation to a person (details supplied) who has been incarcerated in Iran since October 2022, and who has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison, given the reports that his health is suffering and that he has had to endure very difficult conditions in prison, the actions the Government is taking to ensure his release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18261/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

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.