Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his direct response. The reason I mention this specific issue is that there are very strong reports that Baha'is in Iran cannot get identity cards and it is then impossible for them to access Government services, obtain a credit card, driver's licence or passport or buy property. This is in addition to all the other discriminatory practices they face in regard to education, the non-recognition of their marriages, which is making things very difficult when it comes to the protection of women and so on. I note the indication by the UN special rapporteur in his 2019 report, which is welcome, that Iran "no longer executes Baha'is solely on the basis of their religion". However, he goes on to say, "The constant threat of raids, arrests and detention or imprisonment [remain] the main features of [the country's] persecution of Baha'is."

I reiterate my point that people in glasshouses should not throw stones. If there is evidence of what we are hearing - it seems to be backed up by the UN rapporteur - then we certainly need to take more specific action. We were able to do so in respect of alleged nuclear capacity. I do not know whether that capacity existed, but we availed of the threat and imposition of economic sanctions in that case. The same should be considered in this instance, where the issues speak strongly to the DNA memory of our own bodies in this country.

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