Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 6

Written Answers. - South African Freedom Fund.

Nora Owen

Question:

29 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a contribution to the South African Freedom Fund which has been set up internationally under the patronage of Nelson Mandela to assist the African National Congress in preparing themselves for the democratic process in post-apartheid South Africa.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

It is long-standing Government policy to channel financial assistance, including assistance to the victims of apartheid, through international organisations, such as the United Nations and the European Community. As I informed the House on 31 October, the Government have made £25,000 available to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for his special programme to assist the return of exiles to South Africa. Members of the ANC, of course, stand to benefit from such assistance.

More generally, the Government have provided, and are continuing to provide, assistance to the black community in South Africa through regular annual contributions to relevant United Nations trust funds, such as the UN educational and training programme for Southern Africa. It is the Government's intention to maintain such funding to meet the needs of South Africans, including members of the ANC, who are disadvantaged by apartheid.

A direct financial contribution to the ANC as a political party, however, is not envisaged.