Vol. 373 No. 8
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the volume of South African coal imported into the Republic of Ireland for the years 1984 to 1986 inclusive; the value of the imported coal for those three years; if he will introduce a ban on the importation of South African coal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
35.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts, if any, he is pursuing to have coal in Ireland included on the list of sanctions against South Africa as adopted by the Council of Ministers on 16 September 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 35 together.
The figures the Deputy requested for the volume and value of South African coal imported into Ireland are as follows:
|
Quantity |
Value |
|
|
1984 |
23,962 tonnes |
£1.55 million |
|
1985 |
69,762 tonnes |
£4.99 million |
|
1986 |
48,153 tonnes |
£2.9 million |
The amount represents only a small percentage of total coal imports. The Government has no plans to introduce a unilateral ban on the importation of South African coal but favours the imposition of such a ban by the Twelve member states of the European Community. The Deputy will recall that such a move was considered last year but was not introduced as not all partners could agree. Ireland will continue to press for such a ban by the Twelve. It is the view of the Government that concerted action by the Twelve is a far more effective way of putting pressure on the South African Government than any unilateral action Ireland might take.
