Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government's current policy position on the legitimacy of the Iranian regime, in light of sustained mass protests, the suppression of political opposition, and documented human rights abuses in Iran; and whether Ireland, either bilaterally or at European Union level, has considered or advocated for any formal measures declaring the regime illegitimate. [6408/26]
View answer238. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions Ireland has taken, or proposes to take, within the European Union to strengthen sanctions and restrictive measures against the Iranian regime, including those relating to oil exports, regime-linked assets and the activities of Iranian state or proxy networks operating within Europe. [6410/26]
View answer239. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland's current policy regarding diplomatic engagement with the Iranian regime; whether the downgrading or closure of Iranian diplomatic missions within the European Union has been considered as part of Ireland's response to ongoing repression and transnational intimidation by the regime. [6411/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 236, 238 and 239 together.
In my statement to the Dáil on 21 January, I set out the Government's condemnation of the brutal repression of protesters by the Iranian authorities. They appear for now to have driven the protests from the streets, but only by killing some thousands of people, and arresting manifold more. They have not in any way listened to or tried to meet the demands and wishes expressed by their own people. Violent oppression continues against those in custody, and even the families of the dead.
Both the Government and the European Union have made clear our condemnation of these actions. Ireland joined in calling for a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 23 January. The resolution adopted at that session, and the EU and Irish national statements to the session, clearly state our views. The Council renewed for two years the mandate of the Independent Fact Finding Mission on Iran, set up by the HRC with Ireland's support in 2022, and charged it to investigate the recent and continuing events. We echo the calls in the resolution, and by the UN Commissioner for Human Rights, to uncover and seek accountability for the actions Iran has tried to hide under a media and communications blackout. Iranian people are courageous and resourceful, and the truth will emerge.
I will be discussing these events with my EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January. The EU is working on further sanctions on those responsible, and I fully support that.
