Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Deputy's point and agree that Ireland has a particular obligation in such matters. We constantly talk about human rights being at the centre of our foreign policy. We need to back that up and to have the uncomfortable conversations with embassies and ministers. We have already had some of those conversations in regard to the situation of the Baha'i and other ethnic minorities in Iran and we will continue to do so. It is important that we maintain a diplomatic relationship and dialogue with other countries, particularly countries that are in the international spotlight, as Iran regularly is. This is an issue we will continue to raise.

On the particular matter of identity cards, I will come back to the Deputy. I should have had an answer for her today because she included it in her question. I will make sure she gets one quickly.

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