Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the response from the Department. At least there is an acknowledgement that these atrocities happened. However, I would like to see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Irish Government take a stronger stand against what happened back in 1988 and acknowledge that these atrocities continue to take place today, as Senator Norris has indicated. Hundreds of people have been hanged this year alone. Many young people in their teenage years are rotting in Iranian jails, waiting until they turn 18 so they can be executed. Any democracy, such as those in the EU or the USA, that deals with the Iranian regime at present for economic and political reasons should not continue to do so without taking human rights violations into account. That is what is required. I very much welcome the co-sponsoring of the motion at the UN, but more is required.I know this is not a matter for the Department of the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, but I appeal to her to bring it to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Flanagan. He will have the support of Members of this House. This is an atrocity and a crime against humanity. Pregnant women and young children are being executed as we speak and what happened 30 years ago will not wash that away. I am sure Senator Norris will have more to say as well.