Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the additional sanctions that are being considered by the European Union against Iran; and the existing sanctions and the effect same has been or will be on Ireland and Irish relations with Iran in the future. [9410/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 315 from him on 23 February in relation to the background to this issue. Further to that reply, I would add the following:

Existing sanctions on Iran are based on UN Security Council Resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007) and 1803 (2008), which have been translated into EU measures under various Council Regulations and Common Positions. In some instances the EU measures have been extended to include additional names of persons or entities to whom they should apply, based on the availability of additional information, but essentially the scope of the measures are the same.

The sanctions are targeted at the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile sectors, and at the wider military sector and the entities, such as banks and transport agencies, which have supported these programmes in Iran. The measures are in the form of visa bans, asset freezes and transaction bans on individuals and entities. A general prohibition on arms trade with Iran is also in effect.

As Iran has failed to respond seriously to the demands of the Security Council or the efforts led by the EU to negotiate with it on these issues, a further round of discussions has commenced at the Security Council as to what further pressure might be put on Iran. No proposals for specific measures have yet been tabled. The EU will in due course have to consider, in the light of or in the absence of Security Council action, what further steps it might take itself. There are no specific proposals yet, but in any case it is not generally desirable to discuss the details of possible measures in advance, as this may only lessen their effect. It must be recalled that the only purpose of these sanctions is to press Iran into responding to efforts to reach a diplomatic solution.

The direct effect of these measures on Ireland, or Irish trade with Iran, is minimal. I look forward of course to the day when we can concentrate on trying to improve and expand relations with Iran. The initiative rests very much with Iran in that regard.