I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 35, 36, 77, 283, 284, 295 and 301 together.
Ireland has consistently condemned the apartheid system and has worked actively at the United Nations and with their partners in the European Community to bring international pressure to bear on the Government of South Africa for change.
In calling for the total removal of apartheid, the Irish people have, over the years, stressed that this must be by peaceful means. We remain convinced, however, that the vicious cycle of repression and violence, provoked by apartheid, can be ended only through constructive dialogue and negotiation.
In December of last year, the main parties and organisations in South Africa, including the South African Government, ANC and Inkatha, began to work together in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, CODESA.
The Government regret that the parties were not able to reach agreement at the second plenary meeting of CODESA in May on the decisive issues of the structures for the negotiations on a new constitution and the form transitional arrangements for governing the country might take. Mr. Mandela's suggestion that the management committee of CODESA try to find agreement on the outstanding differences gave us renewed hope that the deadlock in the discussions could be overcome.
Our hopes were shattered by the brutal massacre at Boipatong on 17 June. It was yet another terrible incident in the continuing violence which has wracked South Africa since 1990, resulting in the deaths of over 7,000 people. Ireland joined in condemning the massacre in a statement made by the European Community on 23 June, which has been brought to the attention of the South African authorities.
The ANC suspended their talks with the South African Government, including within CODESA, because of the increasing violence. The full facts behind the massacre have yet to be established, but it must be said that the failure of the South African Government to recognise their responsibilities and to take the necessary action has allowed the instigators of the political violence free rein.
The European Council, in Lisbon on 26-27 June, in expressing its shock at what had happened at Boipatong, underlined the absolute need for effective control of the South African police and security forces. The question of violence is the regular subject of reports by the ambassadors of European Community countries in South Africa who follow events closely and report in a co-ordinated way through the European Political Co-operation procedures. It will be taken up by the Troika of Community Foreign Ministers during their visit to South Africa in the near future. As the Taoiseach informed the house last week, Ireland fully supports this. It is necessary that the conditions be created which will allow the parties to resume their talks under CODESA.
We have noted the South African Government's agreement to the participation by outside legal experts in the Goldstone Commission, who are investigating the Boipatong massacre. We hope that it represents the beginning of a change in official attitudes in South Africa.
Community Foreign Ministers considered the remaining Community sanctions on 6 April. They decided, in the light of the positive developments up to that date, to lift the ban on oil exports, in effect since 1985. They also agreed formally to lift the restrictions on scientific, cultural and sporting contacts, which had already been relaxed. Ireland supported these decisions. We believe it right that the Community, including Ireland, should respond appropriately to the developments taking place in South Africa.
The Community will continue to keep under review its sanctions policy. The arms embargo should remain until a new constitution and a new government are in place in South Africa. Other sanctions will be reviewed in the light of progress in South Africa.
At the moment, Ireland does not have diplomatic relations with South Africa. The honorary consul in Johannesburg, who has responsibility for the consular protection of Irish citizens, is the only official Irish presence in South Africa.
The Minister for Industry and Commerce led a delegation to South Africa last November and has answered questions in the House on his visit, which was intended to promote the development of trade and investment links between Ireland and South Africa. The balance of trade has consistently remained in Ireland's favour since 1981. Irish trade with South Africa has declined, however, in recent years. The balance of trade figure in our favour for 1991 was £17.6 million. The Minister for Industry and Commerce, noting the potential of the South African market, concluded from his visit that there were some worthwhile opportunities for developing trade and business links, over time.
