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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Feb 1965

Vol. 214 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Attendance of Ministers at Rugby Match.

1.

asked the Taoiseach whether, in view of the critical attitude taken against apartheid in UNO on behalf of this country by the Minister for External Affairs, he will ensure that none of his Ministers attends the Ireland v. South Africa match in his official capacity.

The views of the Irish Government on the apartheid policies of the South African Government are well-known. We are opposed to the denial of fundamental human rights in any country but we do not consider that the refusal of all contacts with citizens of a country whose Government practises discrimination is the best way to end it.

I gave no such direction as is suggested by the Deputy when teams from other countries where human rights are denied came to play in this country and I do not intend to do so in this case.

It might not be a bad precedent if the Taoiseach would be good enough to start it. Does he believe it is consistent of him to oppose apartheid in UNO and appear to condone it here where it is practised by visiting teams?

I must confess I do not see how attendance at an international football match could imply any point of view regarding the policies of the Governments of the countries concerned.

It is an official acceptance of apartheid.

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