396. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2101/16]

I have seen reports of a further Holocaust cartoon competition being planned in Tehran. I do not have the details, including whether this would be an officially supported event. Media reports of this nature from the region are not always firmly based, and need to be confirmed. However, if true, the holding of such an event would be deeply inappropriate and grossly offensive, and I would condemn it without question. On the basis of the reports, officials of my Department have already raised these concerns with the Embassy of Iran in Dublin and asked that our concerns be passed to Tehran.