UN Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Ceisteanna (63)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

63. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is intended to continue to support the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Integrated Border Control project in the Islamic Republic of Iran, aimed at strengthening the drug interdiction capacity of the Iranian anti-narcotics police in view of the fact that at least 314 persons were executed there in 2012, many after conviction for drugs related offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36856/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello)

Through the aid programme, the Government has provided funding to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which is based in Vienna, in support of its mandate to assist Member States in their efforts to fight illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. Ireland’s support has included funding for the UNODC programme to restrict the flow of opiates from Afghanistan and Pakistan, through Iran, to Europe and elsewhere. In the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, Ireland provided a total of €100,000 annually to the UNODC. In 2010 and 2011, €60,000 of this annual funding was provided to the Organisation’s illicit trafficking and border management component in Iran. This funding has now ceased. In 2012, Ireland provided €60,000 for the Organisation’s Drug Demand Reduction and HIV Control programme in Iran. This programme is designed to reduce addiction and the incidence of HIV among drug-users in Iran. It does not involve support to law enforcement agencies or to the criminal justice system in Iran.