asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will state when either he or the Taoiseach last met a delegation from the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement; and whether he has any plans for a meeting in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement.
23.
I last met a delegation from the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement on 3 March 1983. I have no plans for a meeting in the near future. Officials of my Department have met representatives of the IAAM on a number of occasions, are in frequent contact with them and are available at any time should the IAAM wish to discuss any matter of mutual interest. I am advised by the Taoiseach's Department that he has not met an IAAM delegation since entering office.
Is it true that neither the Taoiseach nor the Minister have had a meeting with IAAM since 1983? Does the Minister agree that, in view of the appalling acts of violence against black South Africans which results in dozens of killings per week and the evil of apartheid, he should meet the anti-apartheid movement?
What the Deputy says is correct. Neither the Taoiseach nor I have met them since 1983. They requested a meeting with me last September. I am not sure if the Taoiseach received a request at that time. I was unable to meet them at the time but I offered them the facilities of my Department if they had anything they wished to convey to me. They did not take up that offer.
Did the Minister say the Taoiseach met them last March?
I am not sure when he met them. He did not meet them since he came to office.
Does the Minister not agree that because of the situation which exists in South Africa the Taoiseach and the Minister should make a special effort to meet this group?
I assure the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement that any time they have information to convey they do not have to wait for a meeting with me or the Taoiseach. My Department is available to them at the shortest possible notice if they wish to avail of it.
The movement would like to meet the Taoiseach and or the Minister for Foreign Affairs. They appreciate that the officials of the Taoiseach's Department and the Minister's Department are readily available to them but they want to meet the Minister. Will the Minister say if he is prepared to meet them?
It would depend on my timetable. If they make an application I will consider it. I cannot see that it is necessary for them to convey their views to me personally. I am not sure if they would convey different views to me compared to those they would convey to my officials. If they wish they can apply for a meeting and I will see if my timetable can accommodate them.
Is there any reason why the Minister does not want to meet them? I understand how busy he is but he is able to find ample time to lead the Fine Gael approach on the forthcoming referendum.
That is a different matter.
Leading it very effectively.
I doubt that.
The last time they asked to meet me was in September. I was on my way to New york for a meeting of the United National General Assembly. The officials of my Department were available to meet them but they did not do so. If they wish to apply again I will consider their application.
Are the Government sending a Minister or a Minister of State to the world conference on sanctions against South Africa organised by the UN sub-committee on apartheid in co-operation with the Organisation of African Unity and the non-aligned movement between 16 and 20 June?
No decision has been made. The Minister of State is just back from a conference on Africa. It is unlikely that anyone will go out to the next conference. Probably the ambassador to the United Nations will attend.
Has a decision been made that neither a Minister or a Minister of State will be present?
No decision has been made. The Minister of State is just back from a meeting. Probably the appropriate ambassador will attend.
Having regard to the position that exists in South Africa it would be appropriate that a Minister or Minister of State be sent there. There was a Minister of State present at one of these conferences in 1977 and a Minister was present in 1981. More so now than ever there is reason why the Government should be represented by at least a junior Minister.
There is no doubt in South Africa or in any forum anywhere in the world about this Government's attitude towards apartheid. We have been one of the leaders in the fight against apartheid. The action we took in banning food and vegetable imports is an indication of that. There is no doubt about our attitude.
I accept what the Minister says and it gives me reason to believe that the Minister will find time to meet this group.
If I can find the time to do so I will.