asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the development of relations between the Republic of Ireland and the countries in South America.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relations with South American Countries.
8.
Ireland is represented by an ambassador in Buenos Aires and maintains diplomatic relations with Brazil and Venezuela on a non-resident basis. The establishment of diplomatic relations with other countries is kept under continuous review in the light of our international interests and the availability of the necessary financial and personnel resources. The absence of diplomatic relations does not preclude our having friendly contacts with South American countries which we maintain through the United Nations and other international organisations.
Ireland also has honorary consulates in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil, in Quito, Ecuador and in Lima, Peru.
In the context of the relationship between the European Community and the countries of Latin America, there was a significant development in December 1983 when an agreement between the Community and the Andean Pact countries was signed in Colombia. I attended the ceremony on behalf of Ireland. To mark the importance which the Andean Pact countries attach to this agreement, the signing ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama and by the Vice-President of Peru. The agreement itself will make a major contribution towards the Andean Pact countries own efforts at regional integration and economic development. It will also allow for better co-ordination of EEC financed actions in the Andean Pact countries under the non-associated developing countries programme and will facilitate the development of trade, industrial co-operation and technology transfers.
In a separate development, the European Commission will shortly be forwarding to the Council of the European Communities a set of proposals aimed at stimulating relations between the EEC and Latin America. It is understood that the proposals will cover financial, energy, scientific and technical co-operation as well as promoting trade, training and cultural co-operation. Ireland will study these proposals carefully and participate actively in the ensuing discussions with a view to furthering Ireland's opportunities for the establishment of a mutually advantageous relationship with the countries of Latin America.
On the political side, we are concerned at the absence of democracy in some of the countries of South America. Consequently we welcome the return to democracy in Argentina.
Will the Minister outline what he intends to do about repeated requests from the Nicaraguan government for at least consular representation there in view of the fact that we have consular representation with El Salvador?
I suppose in a way we are moving into a different area, we are goint into Central America.
It is all the same region; it is all Latin America. They are all on the same continent.
The Deputy's question seems to fall outside the scope of the question before the House. The question of diplomatic relations with many countries is kept under continuous review. We are under pressure from the point of view of resident ambassadors, external accreditation and the appointment of consulars and so on, in many areas throughout the world. Generally, while I would favour a considerable increase in our diplomatic relations at all levels from a politcal point of view we have to bear in mind very much the economic aspects and resources available to the Department as far as any extension of our diplomatic relations is concerned.
I do not think there is any cost involved in the exchange of consular representations between nations. It is merely a recognition of our commitment to friendship among nations. In this case, in view of the position in Nicaragua, a country with a similar history to our own in the last century, it is important as an act of solidarity with the oppressed people of that region that we exchange consular officials with that country. My question does not have anything to do with the opening of expensive embassies or anything else but is an act of solidarity with the people of Nicaragua.
I am calling on Deputy Lenihan next but I must point out that the question under discussion asked for a report on the development of relations between the Republic of Ireland and countries in South America. That does not give rise to a discussion on policy.
All I can say is that I did not get an answer to a reasonable and sensible question.
I will not allow a question on policy at Question Time.
The Minister referred to the maintenance of diplomatic relations with Venezuela, a matter with which I was associated, but that is the only step taken to establish diplomatic relations with South America since the formation of the State. Will the Minister agree that the Andean Pact umbrella which facilitates the Community and the Andean Pact countries is not sufficient as far as our potential economic interests are concerned in that expanding and developing region? Will the Minister not agree that the countries concerned in North and South America — I am referring to Venezuela, Colombia, Equador, Peru and Brazil — require far more attention in the way of diplomatic representation and trade representation also?
I accept that we are thin on the ground in relation to what is a vast part of the world. South America is a vast area and we have one resident ambassador external representation to Venezuela and a few consúlates. I take the point, but the Deputy talks about the economic aspects and that obviously is a consideration when one is talking about the extension of diplomatic relations. It is proper to say that the extent of our trade with South America is not great.
The potential area is there.
At the moment our imports, which are mainly bananas, fruit and so on, total around £50 million and our exports are somewhat less, around £32 million to £33 million.
That is our fault.
The present level is very low. Concentrating on the economic aspects, on the question of possibilities for the future we must bear in mind the financial problems which many of those countries have at the moment. They have their debt problems and there are other difficulties.
Are we not lucky that we do not have those problems?
We are lucky that the present Government are coming to grips with the problems which were bequeathed to them. Generally to concentrate on the economic aspects it is fair to say that a very strong case could not be made at present, but there are other considerations.
I am glad we sent the only ambassador into the area.
Would the Minister of State say whether any consideration is being given at present to the expansion of our diplomatic presence in South America?
Not just in relation to South America.
Could we stick to South America?
Yes indeed. Let me answer that this is kept under continuous review. I mean that, and that is not an offhand answer. It has been examined quite carefully not just in South America but in a number of areas including South America. We are considering very carefully whether we should be making changes there in the future.