asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have made any protest to the Russian Government about their interference in Poland; if not, if they will immediately do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
18.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Russian Interference in Poland.
17.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have made any direct approach to the Polish authorities to protest against the suppression of the Solidarity movement and the Polish people, other than the collective protest by the member states of the EEC.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together.
The Government have made known their deep concern at events in Poland on a number of occasions. On 23 December 1981 shortly after the imposition of martial law in Poland the Irish Ambassador in The Hague made a démarche on the instructions of the Government to the Polish Ambassador to Ireland who is resident in The Hague. This démarche made clear the Government's concern at developments in Poland and specifically referred to the need for respect for trade union rights.
The Deputy will also be aware that my predecessor, Senator James Dooge, spoke in Seanad Éireann on 18 December to express the Government's deep concern at events in Poland and to call for restraint on the part of the Polish authorities and respect for basic human rights and freedoms. The views expressed in this statement were repeated that same day by the head of the Irish delegation to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe meeting in Madrid. On 5 January the Government issued a statement taking note of the position agreed by the Foreign Ministers of the Ten at their meeting on 4 January and condemning the repression of human rights in Poland. The Government reiterated their position in a statement on 30 January to mark the Day of Solidarity with the Polish people.
On 12 February Senator Dooge addressed the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe meeting in Madrid to outline the Government's position on Poland.
It is my intention to make my views on Poland known to the Polish authorities at every suitable opportunity.
At their meeting on 4 January the Foreign Ministers of the Ten issued a statement noting "with concern and disapproval the serious external pressure and the campaign directed by the USSR and other Eastern European countries against the efforts for renewal in Poland". The Community has decided to take measures to restrict certain Soviet imports as a sign of its disapproval of that country's role in events in Poland.
I am glad to learn that the Government ——
A question, please, Deputy.
——made an individual protest because I thought it was a collective one on behalf of the EEC. That was on 3 December. In view of the fact that martial law has not been lifted as was promised at that time, will the Government renew their protest to the Polish Government and to the Russian authorities who seem to have a substantial say in the affairs of the Polish state.
On 22 December the British Ambassador in Warsaw in his capacity as Presidency representative of the Ten and acting on the instructions of the Governments of the Ten made a démarche to the Polish authorities expressing the great concern of the Governments of the Ten at the situation in Poland. Ireland does not have a resident ambassador in Warsaw and therefore the opportunity has not arisen to make representations there. The Government are concerned that there should be an early end to martial law in Poland and call on the Polish authorities to release all those interned and resume a genuine dialogue with the Church and with Solidarity. The Government are deeply disappointed by the absence of progress towards a return to a reform in Poland and a respect for human rights.
The Minister referred to the restriction of imports from the Soviet Union as a joint action being taken with our EEC colleagues arising from the Polish situation. Can the Minister outline the effect of this decision on this country? What type of imports will be restricted? What will the economic consequences be for this country?
I would need notice of that question.
Was there any response to the protest made by this Government on 3 December to the Polish ambassador at The Hague?
I imagine that the response would be the normal one and that the Polish ambassador would note the complaint made to him.
I do not wish to press the Minister unduly on this but could we have an understanding that our protest will be renewed? This is essential.
I hope to avail of every opportunity to do that. I will keep in touch with the Deputy about this. I will communicate with him on the matter and be prepared to discuss it with him at any time.
Would the Government favour implementing here the recommendation of the EEC regarding a cutback on imports from the Soviet Union arising from the Polish situation? Will the Government consider steps in that regard?
I would require special notice of that question to answer it.
I will give it to the Minister.