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

Ireland has been very involved in this debate. We have had access beyond what we normally have because of involvement in a completely different issue. Of course, issues are all interlinked when it comes to bilateral relationships and relationships with countries in the UN and elsewhere. We have supported targeted sanctions against those responsible for the inappropriate treatment of protesters in Iran. We have supported those targeted sanctions at EU level. Ireland will continue to be very much at the centre of the conversation at EU level on the relationship with Iran. I have to say it is strained significantly at present given what we are seeing, particularly young girls protesting for a right to be themselves. There is support throughout the European Union for these aspirations. There is also the very concerning imagery of Iranian-made drones being used in Ukraine. Obviously this has to be subject to evidence but I believe the evidence is there. This has created a worsening relationship. I hope Iran will reflect on the aspiration to improve relations over time.

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