Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
212. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether she or the Government considers the recent murder of tens of thousands of civilians by the Government of Iran to constitute a 'genocide'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14084/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has unequivocally condemned the brutal repression of protestors by the authorities in Iran. The scale and extent of the violence meted out by the Iranian state against its own population is shocking and appalling.
Accurate reports as to the numbers killed, injured and interned continue to be hindered by the continuing communication blockages by the Iranian authorities. Reputable sources indicate that over 7,000 deaths can be verified, with many more thousands still under investigation. Over 50,000 people have been detained, and we fear for their safety. While state violence has for the moment driven protestors from the streets, the underlying issues have not been addressed and the evident disenchantment of Iranian people remains undiminished.
There are clearly very serious breaches of human rights taking place, and our abhorrence of the violent actions of the Iranian authorities is clear.
Ireland supported the holding of an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council about the events in Iran, where we co-sponsored a resolution condemning the violence of the authorities. At the EU Foreign Affairs Council in January Ireland supported the placing of additional sanctions on Iranian persons complicit in this violence, and agreed to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran as a terrorist organisation. This designation was formally adopted by the Council on 19 February.
Ireland will continue to monitor the situation in Iran, and calls for the end of further violence and the restoration of communication services. The Government will remain in close coordination with our EU partners on this issue.
