asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken with regard to the denial and suppression of human rights in El Salvador, if he has considered the banning of imports from El Salvador and the further action he proposes to take in this matter.
Written Answers. - El Salvador Imports.
366.
My predecessor stated in the Dáil on 8 November 1979 that the Government deplore violations of human rights wherever they occur, and that the reported widespread violation of human rights in El Salvador was a source of serious concern to them. This continues to be the case. It appeared that the administration which took over following the departure of General Romero in October 1979 was committed to a policy of liberalisation and redress of injustices. The country has experienced a period of political turbulence since the resignation of that Government in December last. It is the view of the Government that progress towards respect for human rights can best be assured through the restoration of stability under a representative regime. In the meantime Ireland, along with the other member states of the EEC, is keeping the situation in El Salvador under review and will continue to do so.
No international sanctions against El Salvador have been adopted. It is not proposed to prohibit imports from that country.