Pádraic McCormack
Question:50 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether there are any plans to improve the effectiveness of EC observer missions in South Africa and the desirability of their making public reports.
Written Answers. - EC Observer Missions in South Africa.
Mary Flaherty
Question:96 Miss Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether there are any plans to improve the effectiveness of EC observer missions in South Africa; and the desirability of their making public reports.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 96 together.
The European Community Observer Mission to South Africa (ECOMSA) was sent to South Africa to assist in the transition of that country to a non-racial, united and democratic state, and in particular to assist with the implementation of the National Peace Accord. The first members of the EC team arrived in South Africa in October 1992. There were originally 15 observers in the Mission. Two members of an Garda Síochána are serving with ECOMSA.
The work of ECOMSA is kept under constant review by the member states of the EC. As a result of a Head of Mission was appointed to strengthen its effectiveness, as were three additional observers. From the reports I have received, ECOMSA is doing a very good job which is appreciated by all the South African parties. The question of publishing reports on the work of ECOMSA is being actively considered by the European Community.