Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, when meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Manouchehr Mottaki, on the sidelines of the 63rd annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, he proposed an expansion of ties between Ireland and Iran in the areas of trade, technology, investment and the carrying out of joint projects; if his attention has been drawn to the published reports that he in addition made reference to the Palestinian people as victims of Zionist atrocities; if these reports are correct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34724/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I met with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mr. Mottaki, in New York on 29 September, during my attendance at the General Assembly of the United Nations.

The main topics discussed were regional issues, such as recent events in the Caucasus, the Middle East Peace Process and the issue of Iran's nuclear programme, where I restated Ireland and the EU's full support for the approach of the 'EU3 + 3' group to reach a negotiated solution.

Both Minister Mottaki and I looked forward to a developing of relations between our countries. The low level of bilateral trade indicated obvious potential for growth, and in this context I mentioned the importance we attached to unblocking Irish beef exports to Iran. In this regard, Ireland fully supports the approach of the EU3+3 which holds out the promise of expanded trade and other relations with Iran if the nuclear matter is resolved.

I did not, and I clearly never would, use the language or share the sentiments attributed to me in the reports to which the Deputy refers. On the contrary, I strongly urged Iran to use its influence in the region to support efforts to reach a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, and I specifically expressed deep concern at the wholly unacceptable threats made by the Iranian President regarding Israel. I also conveyed our serious concerns on human rights issues in Iran, including the position of the Baha'i community.