asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if in view of the worldwide revulsion at recent tragic events in South Africa, he is doing everything possible to assist in bringing apartheid to an end and in establishing the need to bring about reforms designed to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the black population.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Events in South Africa.
21.
It is the view of the Government that only the complete abolition of the apartheid system in all its manifestations can lead to the establishment of a democratic, multi-racial society in South Africa. Reform of the system is not sufficient.
The policy of the Government is to do all within their power to bring about the abolition of the apartheid system by peaceful means. Ireland has maintained a consistent policy of opposition to the apartheid policies of the South African Government. This opposition has been voiced internationally, at the United Nations and within the European Community. Irish policy is expressed, inter alia, in our refusal to have diplomatic relations with South Africa, our refusal to assist or encourage trade with South Africa, our refusal to permit semi-State bodies to maintain offices in South Africa and our policy of actively discouraging sporting contacts. Ireland also provides aid to the victims of apartheid both on a bilateral basis and through the United Nations. Government policy towards South Africa is kept under constant review with the aim of putting pressure on the Government of South Africa to abandon the policy of apartheid.
The Government are working to achieve the peaceful ending of the system of apartheid in a number of ways. Internationally we regularly and thoroughly condemn apartheid in international fora such as the UN. Together with our partners in the European Community, we have sought also to press South Africa to change its policies. Thus, at a meeting on 22 July the Ten Foreign Ministers called on the South African Government to take the following preliminary steps towards the abolition of apartheid and the opening of meaningful dialogue with representatives of the black community: the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Nelson Mandela; and end to detention without trial; an end to the practice of forced removals; and the repeal of discriminatory and offensive legislation such as the pass laws and the group areas act. These, together with the ending of the current state of emergency, remain in the view of Ireland and her colleagues in Europe the first minimum steps which the South African Government should take. On 10 September, Foreign Ministers agreed on a series of both positive and restrictive measures to increase pressure on South Africa.
I am confident that, through our actions nationally and in international fora, Ireland is doing everything possible to assist in bringing about a peaceful end to the system of apartheid.
Will the Minister deplore the continued killings by the security forces in South Africa?
I do not have any hesitation in condemning violence no matter what source it comes from or even if it is aimed at bringing about political change. I do not think that is the road forward in either Ireland or South Africa.
Will the Minister explain why he regards any unilateral measures taken by Ireland as counterproductive and not to be of assistance to the blacks of South Africa?
The Deputy would need to specify the measures I said would be counterproductive. The only one I said would be counterproductive would be the imposition of a visa regime here against South African nationals. If we imposed a visa requirement for South African people coming to Ireland then, obviously, the South African Government would reciprocate. It must be remembered that we have a very big aid programme in Lesotho and the development of that aid programme depends on constant traffic of Irish people through South African airports to Lesotho. If we imposed a visa restriction on South Africans coming to this country, people like those referred to just now by Deputy De Rossa wishing to go to South Africa could not go without a visa and it would be an easy matter to refuse the granting of such a visa. Some people were refused entry at the gates of the country during the summer. Anybody who wants to observe the regime in South Africa is free at present to go without a visa, but I believe that would not be so if we were to impose visa restrictions on this side.
That concludes Question Time. There are no questions put down for oral answer to be sent for written answer today. Deputy J. Leonard is in possession on item No. 18.
I understand that if Question Time concludes before 3.45 p.m. the House is adjourned until that time.
I do not think that is true.
I would support the Minister if I could be given five more minutes for Supplementary Questions.
That would not be in order. Deputy J. Leonard moved the Adjournment on item No. 18.
I do not wish to be difficult about this, but it is being sought to establish that if at some time in the future Question Time were to conclude before 3.45 p.m., for the convenience of the Whips who might not have Members here the House would adjourn until 3.45 p.m. I realise that there are only three minutes involved, but I want to establish the principle, with the agreement of the House.
Sitting suspended at 3.42 p.m. and resumed at 3.45 p.m.