asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the strong opposition expressed by a number of groups, including the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement, to the participation of a South African delegation in the World Computer Conference which will be held in Dublin in September; if, in view of the major role that computers play in the operation of the apartheid system, he will take any action to prevent the participation of South African delegates in the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - World Computer Conference.
33.
I am aware that there is some opposition to South Africans participating in the World Computer Congress which is due to take place in Dublin in September.
The congress is a privately organised event which is being run under the auspices of and in accordance with guidelines laid down by the International Federation for Information Processing, which determines the criteria of eligibility for participation. The question of South African participation has been raised by the Irish organisers and it has been made clear to them that the attitude of the Government to the congress will be determined by whether any South Africans attending do so privately or as representatives of the South African authorities.
Question No. 34 taken as oral.