asked the Minister for External Affairs why Ireland has not assisted the International Defence Aid Fund to help the victims of persecution in Africa and their families where there are now 5,000 political prisoners; and if he will consider joining countries like Sweden, Holland and India which are ready to support the Fund.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - International Defence Aid Fund.
3.
Mr. O'Leary
The Fund to which the Deputy refers is one of several non-governmental funds recommended by the United Nations Special Committee on Apartheid in connection with relief contributions invited under a General Assembly Resolution of 16th December, 1963. This arrangement is a provisional one and at the current session of the General Assembly it is expected that alternative arrangements will be considered.
We are not contributing to any fund so far?
I do not think very many countries did in fact contribute to this fund.
I did not catch the last part of the Taoiseach's reply.
I gather there is an alternative proposal coming before the Assembly in the near future.
If there is a fund, it will be an official fund under the aegis of the United Nations?
I am not sure about that.