Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
105. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline Ireland's position, and that of the EU, with regard to the present government in Iran, and if the Irish Government is pushing for the IRGC to be recognised as a terrorist organisation. [10708/24]
View answerI have previously set out our major concerns about Iran in relation to human rights, Iran's nuclear activities, support for Russia's unjust attack on Ukraine, and support for militant and extremist groups around the region.
We continue to engage with Iran, bilaterally and at EU level, to try to encourage them to take a different, and more positive, path. The reopening of Ireland's Embassy in Tehran is testament to our commitment to a positive engagement and direct dialogue. Ireland's new resident Ambassador is expected to take up duty shortly.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been closely involved in many of these areas of concern. The question of designating the IRGC as a terrorist organisation has been considered at EU level, but there are differing views as to the value and effect such a move would have, as the IRGC is already subject to extensive EU sanctions based on nuclear and human rights concerns. Such a designation in the EU is a legal process which requires unanimity and must be based on a legal designation as a terrorist organisation by a member state.
Ireland and the EU will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure that there is a coordinated and firm response to Iran and its ongoing human rights abuses, nuclear activities, supply of weapons to Russia, and destabilising activities in the region.
