Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 May 1991

Vol. 407 No. 9

Written Answers. - Sanctions against Iraq.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

94 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether sanctions on urgent medical supplies to Iraq have been lifted; if so, if these supplies are getting through in view of reports that (i) there are life threatening shortages of antibiotics; and (ii) in view of reports that plastic syringes are having to be used several times; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

Sanctions against Iraq were imposed by UN Security Council resolution 661 on 6 August 1990. Operative paragraph 3(c) of that resolution specifically excludes from the sanctions regime "supplies intended strictly for medical purposes". The relevant resolution was given effect in the European Community by EC Regulation 2340 of 8 August 1990, as amended.

The supervision of the sanctions regime in the UN is the responsibility of the Sanctions Committee of the Security Council. Ireland is not at present a member either of the Security Council or of the Sanctions Committee.

I am aware of reports that, in spite of the above-mentioned exemption, some sections of the Iraqi population have faced difficulties because of shortages of medical supplies. The UN Secretary General sent the Under Secretary General, Mr. Ahtisaari, to assess humanitarian needs in Iraq during March and he submitted his report to the Secretary General on 20 March 1991.

Since then, Resolution 687 of the Security Council dated 3 April 1991 provided for a number of modifications of the sanctions regime against Iraq, including the exemption of exports to Iraq of foodstuffs (subject to the Sanctions Committee being notified) and materials and supplies for essential civilian needs, subject to the approval of the committee by accelerated procedure. The resolution also allows for imports of goods from Iraq, if approved by the Sanctions Committee, thus ensuring that Iraq will have adequate financial resources to pay for imports.

Arrangements are in train to modify Community legislation to bring it into line with these changes in the UN resolution.

Naturally, I would greatly deplore any impediment to the supply of medical requirements.