Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 October 2014
152. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran about the detention of a person (details supplied); his views on outlining Ireland's position on democratic freedoms in the Islamic Republic of Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40639/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government regularly raises human rights issues in Iran with the Iranian authorities, including in ongoing regular contact with the Iranian Ambassador and Embassy here as well as at EU level and in international fora. For the most part we do so in relation to the type of activity or human rights abuse which is of concern, rather than on specific cases. This is both because we wish our remarks to apply to all relevant cases, but also because we do not have the resources to track individual cases and confirm the basis of reports received, prior to raising them. I am aware of the case in question, but only from a single social media report which has been repeated elsewhere many times. The person involved was not previously known to my Department, and we have no information at this point as to whether she is still in custody or on what basis or charge. We have raised the issues of tolerance of civil society and freedom of expression with the Iranian authorities, as part of our ongoing dialogue with them on the need for greater respect for human rights within Iran, and will continue to do so, including as occasion allows with reference to this case if more information comes to hand.
