asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state, with reference to the Recommendation on the position of Greek refugees which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 20th April last, whether the Government is prepared to reconsider this Recommendation in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe with the aim of improving the precarious situation of the Greeks in exile by the joint payment to the Council of Europe Resettlement Fund of a total sum of 100,000 dollars.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Greek Refugees.
6.
The Committee of Ministers' Deputies in Strasbourg decided to send Recommendation 602 on the position of Greek refugees to Governments inviting them to give effect as far as possible to the first six proposals in the Recommendation. However, they were unable to agree to the seventh proposal for a joint payment of a total sum of $100,000 to the Council of Europe Resettlement Fund for the purpose of improving the situation of Greeks who have left their country for political reasons. As this conclusion was reached after lengthy and careful consideration of all aspects of the matter including the humanitarian one the Government does not consider that reconsideration of the Recommendation on this subject would serve any useful purpose.
What proportion of the 100,000 dollars would be applicable to Ireland's contribution if it were agreed that this fund be established?
I have not any information. It would be a hypothetical question because it was not recommended that the 100,000 dollars fund be created.
If it were so agreed, would Ireland's contribution not be in the region of 1,500 dollars—and no more? Having regard to the desirability of Ireland's going in, in a concrete way, in support of democracy, and in opposition to dictatorial régimes, would the Minister not agree that Ireland should indicate its willingness to make such a contribution?
A conclusion was reached after long and careful consideration of all the aspects. It was decided not to recommend it.
How did we vote?
I have not the details of the actual voting position.
I shall ask the question next week.