Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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376. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made contact with the Iranian Government in relation to the recent execution of a person (details supplied). [45065/20]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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377. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the recent execution of a journalist (details supplied) and other recent civil rights abuses by the Islamic Republic of Iran; the actions his Department and the EU has taken or will take in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45082/20]

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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379. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will condemn the recent execution of a person (details supplied); the measures he is taking to outlaw capital punishment around the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45150/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 376, 377 and 379 together.

I remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Iran, including restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, torture in detention and the use of the death penalty.

Ireland is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances, and we have made this position clear to the Iranian authorities on many occasions. Officials from my Department raised concerns over the use of the death penalty with the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland on 2 December.

In relation to the specific execution of Ruhollah Zam, we endorse the condemnation released on behalf of the EU on 12 December 2020.

Ireland has also regularly voiced opposition to the use of the death penalty by Iran in appropriate international fora. At the 45th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in September 2020, Ireland co-signed a Joint Statement which expressed deep concern at the continuing human rights violations in Iran, making particular reference to Iran’s ill-treatment of detainees and use of the death penalty. The statement states clearly that “we reiterate our opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances, and urge Iran to enact a moratorium.”

Ireland will continue to raise human rights issues with Iran at every suitable opportunity, including in our direct contacts with Iranian officials, in contributing to EU policy on Iran, and in international fora such as the UN General Assembly and the HRC.