Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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784. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his recent visit to Iran including discussions on human rights violations and the treatment of women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15931/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I visited Tehran on 7 March, and met with the President of Iran, Dr. Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister, Dr. Javad Zarif.

The visit took place in the context of Ireland's role on the Security Council as Facilitator for Security Council Resolution 2231. This Resolution provides for the engagement of the Security Council with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Iran nuclear deal.

In my meeting with Foreign Minister Zarif I raised concerns over Iran's record on human rights, including use of the death penalty (including for minors), discrimination against the LGBTI+ community, women’s rights, and freedom of expression. I also expressed concern that Iran was preventing the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran from visiting the country.