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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Dec 1979

Vol. 317 No. 5

Written Answers. - International Fund for South Africa.

380.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a contribution to the International Defence and Aid Fund for South Africa proportionate to that of the government of the Netherlands who have contributed £50,000.

I am aware of the valuable work being done by the International Defence and Aid Fund in providing legal aid for those imprisoned for their opposition to apartheid and in providing assistance for their dependants. It has been the general practice in successive Governments to direct funds for humanitarian assistance in Southern Africa through intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations. Ireland has made annual contributions to the UN Trust Fund for South Africa, which regularly provides considerable assistance to the International Defence and Aid Fund. Our contribution to the Trust Fund in 1979 was £12,500, more than double our contribution in 1978 (£6,000).

No decisions have yet been taken with regard to contributions of this kind for 1980. I have taken note of the point made by the Deputy in this context.

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