asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his brief to the official Irish diplomatic representative in El Salvador, with specific regard to (a) the personal safety of Irish national in El Salvador, in particular, the seven missionaries there, in the light of increasing violations of human rights in that country, and (b) the increasing importation by Ireland of animal foodstuffs from El Salvador in the light of shocking evidence of malnutrition among the majority of the population of that country.
Written Answers. - Irish Nationals in El Salvador.
266.
While Ireland has no diplomatic representation in El Salvador there is an Irish honorary consul in that country. The duties of honorary consuls naturally include the protection of the welfare and interests of Irish citizens in their area of jurisdiction and our honorary consul in El Salvador will accordingly render every assistance possible to our citizens there should the need arise. No instances of difficulties for any of the small number of Irish people known to be living in El Salvador at present have been brought to our attention.
With regard to the Deputy's point about imports of animal foodstuffs from El Salvador, as Ireland has an open market economy Irish based firms have the freedom to trade on an individual basis with concerns in other countries having regard to commercial considerations. When however there have been mandatory sanctions by the United Nations on trade with particular countries it has been the practice of the Government to make orders prohibiting trade between Irish firms and these countries. I am not aware of any move at the United Nations to impose such sanctions on El Salvador.