asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will state the position in relation to the ban on Irish missionary priests to Nigeria; if as a result of the visit by Dr. Arikpo, the Nigerian Foreign Minister, discussions have taken place with him on this matter and, if so, with what results; if, having regard to the great missionary contribution to the economic and social life of Nigeria, the existing ban will be lifted in the case of Irish missionaries and if discussions are to take place with this in view; and if he will make a general statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Missionaries in Nigeria.
22.
There is no ban on the admission of Irish missionaries to Nigeria.
From newspaper accounts I understand there is some problem in respect of missionaries in that part of the country which was known formerly as Biafra.
There is no ban on the admission of Irish missionaries to Nigeria.
The question relates to the problem of missionaries who were expelled from that part of the country and there appear to be certain difficulties in the way of their returning.
There are personal difficulties that are being looked into but there is no ban as such on Irish missionaries entering Nigeria.
Is there a ban in respect of particular missionaries?
There are difficulties in respect of particular personalities.
Is it the position that some missionaries are more equal than others?
The Deputy realises that, to put it mildly, this matter is a very delicate and sensitive one.
I accept that there could be difficulties in some cases and that the Nigerian Government have shown commendable statesmanship in their handling of the situation in the post-Biafran period; but could the Minister say whether the Nigerian Government will be able to consider the matter constructively in regard to the difficulties in which certain missionaries were involved and that in the new situation in Nigeria, in which the entire country is involved in constructive work and in rehabilitation, such missionaries could resume their labours in that country?
I am satisfied that the Nigerian Government are taking a constructive approach to this problem.