Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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76. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which progress continues to be made between Iran and the international community in terms of addressing the contentious issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8592/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I warmly welcomed the interim agreement, known as the “joint plan of action”, reached on 24 November between the E3+3 (Germany, France and the UK + the US, Russia and China, led by EU High Representative Ashton) and Iran. Given the almost complete lack of progress over almost a decade of negotiations, this was a significant and very welcome development.

According to the agreement, to run for six months with the possibility for this to be renewed, Iran agreed to suspend key aspects of its nuclear programme in return for a limited measure of sanctions relief. The aim is to build confidence on both sides, and provide a window to negotiate a full agreement to settle this issue in the longer term. Ireland fully supports the path set out in the interim agreement.

The agreement came into effect on 20 January, at which time an IAEA report showed that Iran had fulfilled its commitment to suspend certain aspects of its nuclear activity, and the EU and US began easing some sanctions, as agreed, in return. Talks between the E3+3 and Iran on securing a lasting comprehensive agreement began on 18 February in Vienna. These negotiations will not be easy, and will require both Iran and the international community to accept compromises. A lasting agreement is achievable, however, and I strongly support their efforts.