asked the Minister for Foreign Afairs if he intends to meet with the IRFU to express his concern that officers of that body supported the recent rugby tour to South Africa.
Written Answers. - Rugby Tour to South Africa.
59.
The views of the Government on the involvement of the IRFU in the international rugby tour of South Africa were made very clear at the time. Subsequently, in their statement of 18 September, the Committee of the IRFU recognised the depth of feeling aroused on the issue and expressed regret at the decisions taken earlier. The committee reaffirmed that, while apartheid continues, no Irish team at any level or any other team from Ireland will be permitted to play in South Africa and that teams from South Africa will not be invited to play in Ireland. The committee also said that they will discourage individuals from taking part in rugby in South Africa.
Against this background, I do not see the need for a meeting such as that mentioned by the Deputy.