Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2023
215. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of an Irish citizen imprisoned in Iran (details supplied); the efforts being made to assist this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9315/23]
View answerI remain deeply concerned about the continued detention of this Irish citizen, especially given his serious medical condition. I can assure the Deputy that the citizen's release remains a strong priority for me and my Department. To that end, there continues to be extensive engagement on the citizen's case with the Iranian authorities at senior political and official levels.
I emphasised our deep concerns and reiterated the urgent importance of the citizen's release from prison on humanitarian grounds in my recent direct contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran and with the Ambassador of Iran to Ireland.
My Department is providing ongoing consular support and assistance to the citizen and his family, and is liaising closely with the Government of France in the context of his dual nationality.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the specific details of the case.
