Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 35: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the evidence on which the decision to impose sanctions on Iran was based; if he has sought any independent verification of the evidence presented to the EU to warrant the imposition of the sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7119/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The EU, US and Canada have enacted further restrictive measures against Iran in the light of the International Atomic Energy Agency's report on 8 November 2011 on the Iran nuclear issue. In its report, the IAEA expressed serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme and concluded that information available indicated that Iran had carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device. These represent findings of the utmost gravity.

The Government is satisfied, as are Ireland's EU partners, that the IAEA's report is credible and its conclusions must be taken very seriously. The report is based on information drawn from a wide variety of sources and deemed by the IAEA to be "consistent in terms of technical content, individuals and organizations involved, and time frames". The IAEA is, of course, the internationally recognised watchdog on this issue, with unrivalled technical expertise and a record of absolute impartiality and independence.

Following the publication of the report, the IAEA's Board of Governors adopted by an impressive margin on 18 November a resolution endorsing the report's findings. This resolution, which was also cosponsored by all the EU member states on the Board, was a further vote of confidence in the content of the report.

It is crucially important that Iran return to the negotiating table to resolve these concerns and to comply with its international obligations. However, regrettably, Iran has made no move to date to do so. Therefore, on 1 December, the EU Foreign Affairs Council agreed the extension of restrictive measures to a further 180 entities and individuals, including those directly involved in Iran's nuclear activities in violation of UN Security Council resolutions; those owning, controlling or acting on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL); and members of, as well as entities controlled by, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

On 23 January, with still no response by Iran to calls for the resumption of dialogue, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed additional sanctions against Iran, in accordance with the Council conclusions of 1 December. These include measures in the energy sector, including a phased embargo of Iranian crude oil imports to the EU; in the financial sector, including against the Central Bank of Iran; and in the transport sector. Further export restrictions, notably on gold and on sensitive dual-use goods and technology, as well as additional designations of persons and entities, including several controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), were also agreed.

I remind the Iranian authorities that these sanctions can be swiftly reversed if Iran takes concrete steps to address the very serious concerns of the international community and provide assurances as to the peaceful intentions of its nuclear programme. It is my earnest hope that these additional measures will bring Iran back to the negotiating table soon to address comprehensively the military dimension of its nuclear programme.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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Question 36: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise with the Chinese Government the killing of Tibetans by the Chinese authorities during 23 and 24 January while China was celebrating its new year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7120/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government has closely followed the reported violent events in January in areas of Tibetan population in Chinese provinces neighbouring Tibet and is concerned about the situation. The recent protests and self-immolations – and the subsequent loss of life – are deeply regrettable. Ireland together with our EU partners believes that constructive dialogue between the Chinese Government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama is the best way to address differences and tensions in Tibet and to reach a solution that respects Tibetan culture, language, religion and identity. It is important for the long-term peace and stability of the region that the two sides come to an agreement on the future of Tibet. To this end, we continue to encourage an early resumption of dialogue by the parties.

The promotion of human rights is an important dimension of European foreign policy, as enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union. Constructive dialogue remains the EU's preferred channel for working to improve the human rights situation in China. Human rights are discussed as part of regular political dialogue as well as during specific Human Rights dialogues with China which have taken place since 1995.

The Irish Government continues to convey its concerns about the situation in Tibet directly to the Chinese authorities through regular contacts in both Dublin and Beijing. The issue of Tibet is also raised by the European Union in its dialogue with China. President Van Rompuy and President Barroso will travel in February to China for the 14th EU China Summit which will provide an important forum in which to raise our concerns on Tibet.