asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism if his Department makes export licences available for trade with South Africa, as appears to be the case from his Department's schedule of licences (details supplied); and if it is policy to continue to do so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade With South Africa.
10.
In general export licences for any destination are necessary only in respect of a limited number of goods capable of being used for strategic purposes or crucial as supplies to Irish industry.
Exports of some materials to South Africa are forbidden by a United Nations Security Council resolution which Ireland strictly observes. Export licences for other goods are governed by considerations concerning Irish industry and by conditions imposed by countries which supply raw materials. Accordingly, the Deputy should realise that export licences for trade with South Africa arise only in very limited circumstances and a major portion of trade with South Africa is not subject to licensing.
I can, however, inform the Deputy that I have asked my Department to carry out a full review of the question of trade with South Africa.
I have decided also that no assistance should be given by Córas Tráchtála, who are charged with the development of exports, to traders doing business with that country. This is in line with the policy laid down by one of my predecessors in 1975 following representations from the Anti-Apartheid Movement.
Can the Minister indicate if export licences are granted only for materials which are essential to Irish industry and can he indicate what these materials are and also whether he has satisfied himself that in this respect there is no alternative to trading with South Africa?
As I pointed out in the reply, the terms of the UN Resolution are strictly adhered to and the vast bulk of trade with South Africa is not subject to licence. The type of licence that is issued is a global one in that it relates to 45 countries. The only very limited trade carried out under licence is trade that is considered essential to industry. I must point out that I have asked my Department to review the whole position of trading with South Africa, while instructions have been issued to Córas Tráchtála not to give assistance to any company engaged in trade with South Africa.
The Minister has not replied to my question as to the basic items to which these export licences relate.
I do not have the full list here but I can arrange to supply the Deputy with a list of all exports to South Africa.
I admire the ideological purity of the Minister.
This is unusual.
Is there not something slightly cynical in his reply when the Government of which he is a member have given assistance to South African companies manufacturing here?
Question No. 11.
May I reply to Deputy Burke?
It is all right to have a question and reply procedure but it is not all right to have a ping-pong argument.
As I said in my original reply, after consultations with the AntiApartheid Movement, certain guidelines were laid down in 1975 by one of my predecessors, Mr. Justin Keating. These guidelines were far more restrictive than those which had been in operation up to then. Unfortunately, though, in 1977 the regulations that had applied before 1975 were reverted to. As I have indicated, I have given instructions that the criteria adopted in 1975 be reinstated.
While we all abhor the segregationist policies of South Africa, are we to take it that the Minister intends reviewing trade with Eastern Bloc countries also, reviewing the question of assistance to trade missions in that regard, something that I would be opposed to equally?
If the Deputy is advocating that I adopt such an approach, I should be only too glad to consider his proposal.