Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the information he is in receipt of indicating that Iran is in breach of its International Atomic Energy Agency obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34200/08]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34088/08]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance he will provide to deal with a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34076/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 39 and 73 together.

The situation in Iran, in particular in relation to the nuclear question and to human rights, remains of serious concern. On the nuclear question, Ireland fully supports the twin track approach of the EU3+3 (involving France, Germany, the United Kingdom, together with the US, Russia and China), which offers Iran positive engagement and cooperation if it changes course, but a concurrent enforcement track at the Security Council while it refuses to do so.

On 14 June, on behalf of the EU3+3, High Representative Solana handed an improved 'incentives package' to the Iranian authorities, proposing areas of possible cooperation if Iran abandons its programme of uranium enrichment. Iran tacitly rejected this package by responding with a counter-proposal which did not provide for the suspension of enrichment.

On 12 September, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed El Baradei, briefed the IAEA Board of Governors on developments since his last report in May. While his report noted some progress, it concluded that "contrary to the decisions of the Security Council, Iran has not suspended its enrichment related activities". The DG urged Iran "to implement all measures required to build confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear On 12 September, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed El Baradei, briefed the IAEA Board of Governors on developments since his last report in May. While his report noted some progress, it concluded that "contrary to the decisions of the Security Council, Iran has not suspended its enrichment related activities". The DG urged Iran "to implement all measures required to build confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme at the earliest possible date".

Responding to this report, on 27 September, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1835 (2008), reaffirming its previous Resolutions, and calling on Iran "to comply fully and without delay with its obligations".

I met with Iranian Foreign Mottaki in New York on 29 September, and made clear to him our serious and ongoing concern regarding Iran's nuclear programme, our strong support for the EU3+3 process, and the urgent need for Iran to listen to the voice of the international community and to comply fully with the IAEA's requirements. I also raised our serious concerns regarding the worsening human rights situation in Iran.

It is clear that the Iranian regime has become increasingly resistant to receiving representations from abroad, ceasing even to operate a formal human rights dialogue with the EU. Among the many areas of ongoing concern are the suppression of dissenting voices in the media and suppression of NGOs, trades unions, women's groups and human rights defenders; torture and killings in custody; increased use of the death penalty, including executions of minors; a lack of freedom of religion, including the oppression of members of the Baha'i faith.

On the cases raised by Deputy Hogan, I am pleased that two of individuals in question — Mr Mahmoud Mohammed Matin-Azed and Mr Arash Ahmad-Ali Basirat — were released from custody last month. The third, Mr Ramtin Soodmand, remains in custody. These cases highlight the very real dangers facing Christians in Iran, including those who have converted from Islam.

The Government has been monitoring the proposed apostasy law closely through our Embassy in Tehran, in cooperation with our EU partners. As the situation currently stands, a draft of the law has yet to be finally adopted by the Parliament and a number of amendments are being proposed and debated. The EU has expressed its acute concern about the law, which clearly violates Iran's commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which it is a party. I will continue to raise our concerns about human rights in Iran, including freedom of religion, at every available opportunity.