James McDaid
Question:11 Dr. McDaid asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has regarding the current boycott of businesses in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17863/96]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Business Premises Boycott.
James McDaid
Question:21 Dr. McDaid asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the current boycott threat by businesses in Northern Ireland towards cross-Border trade. [17864/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 21 together.
I am aware that some localised boycotts of business premises have occurred in parts of Northern Ireland, largely in reaction to the widespread blocking of public roads which took place in the period leading up to the Drumcree march. While there remains a degree of understandable anger in the Nationalist community over the events surrounding Drumcree, such boycotts can only serve to add to the sense of division and distrust which already existed between the two communities in Northern Ireland. The Government deplores the use of boycotting in Northern Ireland which has a destructive effect on community relations and only serves to damage the economic interests of both sides of the community. We have repeatedly called for an end to them and I repeat that appeal again.
There may have been some exaggeration in media reports on the extent and scope of boycotting in Northern Ireland and I am glad to say that there is now some evidence that the boycotts appear to be diminishing. The Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland, which represents about 1,400 small and medium-sized business concerns, stated on 24 October in the Northern Ireland forum that the boycotts were "dying away". This followed a survey of some of their Border members. I am sure that an organisation such as the federation, with a large and representative membership, is familiar with what is happening on the ground in relation to the boycotts. I welcome the federation's finding.
The Government places a high priority on the need for greater reconciliation between the two communities in Northern Ireland and on the establishment of conditions which will facilitate better cross-community co-operation and agreement. The unfortunate events of this summer, and their aftermath, have made the promotion of reconciliation even more difficult.
Against this background, I ask all those who have influence in these matters to use that influence to bring an end to any remaining boycotts of business. The two main parties in Northern Ireland, the SDLP and the UUP, have called for an end to boycotting and I fully endorse their appeals.
On the question of any threat to cross-Border trade, I understand there is no evidence to date of any such boycott. I welcome the strong position taken by the umbrella organisation for businesses in Northern Ireland, CBI (Northern Ireland), against any possible cross-Border boycott.
Successive Irish Governments have supported greater North-South business links in areas such as trade and investment. I condemn any activity which attempts to hamper the development of greater North-South economic links. I am delighted at the growing level of North-South trade which rose by 13 per cent last year. This increased trade has brought economic benefits and increased employment to both sides of the Border and to all sections of the community in Northern Ireland.