asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken in recent times to persuade the EC to introduce a ban on imports of coal from South Africa to member states of the Community; and if they will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Imports from South Africa.
36.
It is Government policy to press for the strengthening of the Twelve's common measures against South Africa through the introduction of a common Twelve ban on imports of South African coal.
As Deputies are aware a ban on coal was one of the package of measures looked at by Heads of Government at the Hague Summit in 1986 but it subsequently proved impossible to achieve consensus among the Twelve on the matter.
Since taking office I have used the occasions of the EPC ministerial meetings to press for this consensus and my officials lose no opportunity to make known our views at working group level.
It continues to be the view of the Government that common Twelve action would be more effective than any unilateral ban Ireland might introduce.