asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the attitude of the Government towards the implementation of United Nations resolutions affecting the policies of the Portuguese Government in Africa.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portuguese Government Policy.
15.
The Government accept the UN resolutions in so far as they affect us.
Can the Minister say what action the Government of the Republic of Ireland have taken besides paying lip service to resolutions of the United Nations? In particular, what action have the Government taken to ensure that no economic aid, either by way of purchases from the areas in question, or otherwise, is given by Ireland?
We subscribe annually to the UN educational and training programme for Southern Africans which is an appropriate agency to which we should subscribe.
Has the Minister read the question? It concerns Africans in the Portuguese colonies.
It includes the Portuguese territories in Southern Africa. I am not talking about South Africa as a state but about the Southern Africa area which includes the Portuguese territories.
Are the Government doing nothing more than simply giving their nihil obstat to resolutions of the United Nations?
It is all helpful. Last year it helped 250 students from Portuguese territories to continue their studies. They were enrolled mainly in African institutions. We subscribed to the fund which enabled them to be enrolled. Next year we are increasing our subscription to the fund.
Would the Minister not agree that this is of no assistance whatsoever to the campaign to bring to an end the colonial occupation of these territories? Is the Minister aware that many of the people aided in the way he says are not permitted to return to these territories when they have completed their education abroad?
This is an area in which we can do very little, as the Deputy will appreciate.