Matt Carthy
Question:80. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the government of Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23645/24]
View answerTuesday, 28 May 2024
Questions (80)
Written answers
Ireland and Iran maintain diplomatic relations. As I have indicated to the Dáil, there are many problems in relations with Iran, but we have always maintained an open dialogue with the Iranian authorities on these issues. As an important state in the Middle East, Iran has significant influence across multiple policy areas. We would hope that Iran would use that influence in a positive manner.
I had a number of conversations in recent months with the late Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, who was killed in an accident on 19 May. We discussed issues connected with the conflict in Gaza, and also tensions and risks of escalation in the wider region. At official level, my Department is in regular contact with the Iranian Embassy here in Dublin. Officials of my Department travelled to Tehran in May 2023 for political consultations on a wide range of current issues. My Department will host a further round of consultations in the near future.
Our engagement with Iran has been enhanced by the reopening of Ireland's Embassy in Tehran. The Embassy is now in operation, in space helpfully provided by the Embassy of Germany. I am awaiting the agrément of the Iranian Government to appoint the Irish Ambassador, which I hope to be able to do soon, and subject to practical issues we plan to open the new Embassy premises early next year.