asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the up-to-date position in regard to sanctions and other measures being undertaken against Iran.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Foreign Ministers of the nine member states of the European Community, meeting in Luxembourg on 22 April, expressed concern that the continued holding of the US hostages, which is a serious breach of international law, could endanger international peace and security. They accordingly decided to put into effect without delay the following measures, to the extent that they are not already in force: (i) reduction in embassy staff in Tehran; (ii) a reduction in the number of diplomats accredited by the Government of Iran in their countries; (iii) the reintroduction, where not already in force, of a visa system for Iranian nationals travelling to member countries of the nine; (iv) the withholding of permission for the sale or export of arms or defence-related equipment to Iran.

The Foreign Ministers of the nine also decided to seek immediate legislation where necessary in their national parliaments to impose sanctions against Iran in accordance with the Security Council Resolution on Iran of 10 January 1980, which was vetoed by the Soviet Union, and in accordance with the rules of international law. They believe that these legislative processes should be completed by 17 May, the date of the Foreign Ministers meeting in Naples. If by that time there has not been any decisive progress leading to the release of the hostages, they will proceed to the common application of the sanctions.

The Minister considered that as of now, and pending the entry into force of sanctions, no new export or services contract with persons or organisations in Iran should be concluded.

Will it be necessary for the Government to introduce legislation? If it is not necessary for the Government to do so, I should like to know the legislation under which the sanctions will be imposed?

We are examining this aspect from a legal point of view. A number of the sanctions can be imposed by way of Ministerial Order under the Control of Exports Act. Areas relating to service contracts may require legislation and we are examining that area at present. The order procedure can be invoked almost immediately, but the legislative procedure will take longer. We are taking action on the matter, and the Deputy can be assured of that.

Have the Government assessed the likely backlash from Iran and the likely implications for us from such a backlash?

The backlash in Ireland's case would be very small. Other Community countries will be hit harder. I should like to add that excluded from the sanctions are 50 per cent of our exports that relate to food and pharmaceutical exports.

Has the Minister assessed the reaction of the Arab bloc in relation to the supply of oil to the EEC? Is there any likelihood of there being a counter sanctioning against the EEC by the Arab bloc?

Iran is isolated in this matter. In fact, we have concluded two very successful country to country oil deals with Iraq and Saudi Arabia and those contracts will stand. There is no question of other Arab nations standing with Iran on this matter. Iran is isolated.

The oil contracts were as a result of the Minister's speeches in support of the PLO.