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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Jun 1968

Vol. 235 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Nationals in Nigeria.

5.

asked the Minister for External Affairs if he has noted the deteriorating condition of the Nigerian-Biafra conflict; and if he will make a statement relative to the safety of Irish nationals and their property in that area.

I am only too well aware of the situation in Nigeria and am most anxious that a cease-fire should be arranged as quickly as possible and with a view to the negotiation of a stable peace. I am glad to note that in the last few days there have been reports that Mr. Smith, the Secretary General of the British Commonwealth, who brought the parties to the talks in Kampala is busily engaged in exploring ways to bring the two sides back to the conference table.

Regarding the question of our Irish nationals in Nigeria—almost all of whom are missionaries—remaining in the Eastern Region, the Deputy will be aware from previous statements and, in particular, from my statement of 22nd May that we have done everything possible to look after the welfare of Irish people in all parts of Nigeria since the crisis began. In May, 1967, when the situation seriously deteriorated we sent the secretary of the embassy in Lagos to the Eastern Region to make contact with the 600, or so, Irish citizens in that region and to assist those of them who might wish to leave. He stayed there continuously for several months after the outbreak of hostilities and left only when all Irish citizens who wished to return home had left the area. He was the last diplomatic officer to leave the area.

The property of some Irish citizens was damaged during the conflict but we have no details as to the amount of the damage.

Is there no method by which the Minister, or the Government, could find out the extent of the damage to Irish missions, because my information is that the damage is considerable?

We have no means of assessing the damage.

Have we not got a representative in the country? Is he not free to travel in both areas and assess the damage and impart that information to the Government?

We have, as the Deputy is aware, an ambassador in Lagos. I suppose he might ask for permission to visit the area in which the conflict is still threatening, but he might be refused permission. I do not know.

Is it not a fact that if we have an official representative in a country, one of his functions is to protect nationals as far as possible? Would the Minister not give a direction to our ambassador in Lagos that he should ascertain the up-to-date position with regard to Irish nationals?

I agree it is his duty to do so as far as possible—as the Deputy put it. Within the bounds of possibility we have, in fact, done everything to protect Irish nationals in all parts of Nigeria and, thank God, none has been killed, although this war has been going on now for over a year.

But their property has been destroyed.

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