asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will protest to the Polish authorities about the continued repression of legitimate trade union activity in Poland, and particularly about the continued harassment of Solidarity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Developments in Poland.
37.
The Government have followed recent events in Poland closely. While the recent spate of strikes and unrest appear to have subsided, the Government are deeply concerned at the measures employed by the Polish authorities.
The Polish authorities have been made aware of our views on the recent developments in Poland through a statement issued by the Presidency on behalf of the twelve member states of the EC on 10 May. I have arranged to place a copy of the text of that statement in the Library.
I appreciate that in these matters the Government follow the recent practice in relation to statements issued by the EC Presidency — but, having regard to the historic links between Poland and Ireland in terms of their struggles, with particular reference to the Taoiseach's regard for the trade union movement, would he not consider it worth while and essential that this Government should express directly to the Polish authorities their support for the concept of free trade union movement as forming an integral part of any free, open and democratic society?
I would not rule that out at all but I think the Deputy might agree that the voice of the Twelve, speaking in unison, is far more powerful and important than that of any one individual country. In these matters it is important to have the position of the Twelve co-ordinated in the way in which it was done on this occasion.
In agreeing with the Taoiseach in what he has said may I invite him — in view of the concern many people here have expressed since 1980 and the emergence of Solidarity — to avail of the earliest opportunity to express those concerns directly to the Polish authorities and to use his own, not insignificant, voice to articulate the concerns of our people with regard to the freedom of the Solidarity movement to operate in Poland?
Yes, I will certainly keep that in mind.