asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he and his Government colleagues will attend the 1990 rugby home international matches following the response of the Irish Rugby Football Union to protest against their involvement in the team which toured South Africa.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - International Rugby Matches.
12.
In view of the position taken by the committee of the IRFU in their statement of 18 September, I do not see any reason to suggest that members of the Government should not attend international rugby matches here.
Whether Government Ministers will actually attend such matches is a matter for them to decide.
Do I infer from the reply that the Government are satisfied with that answer? The Irish Anti-Apartheid movement, who represent the views of the majority of South African people here, are very unhappy with this reply and they have asked all the political parties here to boycott these matches. I am extremely disappointed with the Taoiseach's reply.
I am disappointed that the Deputy is disappointed. However, the statement of 18 September by the IRFU was regarded by most people as a considerable improvement on the situation.
I do not agree, it was a very mealy-mouthed apology——
A question, please.
The question at issue here is all rugby matches. For instance, it refers to when Ireland are playing New Zealand, not necessarily South Africa.
I am well aware of that.
In any event, it is best left for individual Ministers to decide. If it is of any interest to the Deputy I certainly do not intend to go.
Well, that is something.
Will the Taoiseach agree that the attendance of officials of the IRFU is a different dimension from the attendance of rugby players? They are still officials of the IRFU despite the statement issued. Does that alter the Taoiseach's opinion of the statement?
The Deputy should take note of the fact that the most I said about the statement was that it could be regarded as an improvement in the situation. One would, of course, like to avail of all possible means of supporting the efforts of those who are trying to bring apartheid to an end, and that is still our position. It is open to question whether the statement put the matter beyond doubt for everybody concerned. However, as far as the Government are concerned it is very often difficult to take a balanced decision. In this regard I think that the best view for the Government to take is to leave it to the individual conscience of Ministers to decide.
I agree with the Taoiseach. Did he convey to the president of the IRFU the embarrassment caused to this country by the actions of officials, as opposed to players, who went to South Africa on the last tour? "Embarrassment" is a very mild word to use and it needs to be conveyed by the Taoiseach to the president of the IRFU how strongly we all feel that he and his officials should not have gone there. They did not do a service to this country by going and to convey that view in private would be far more effective than having Minister Collins shouting it over the airwaves.
I take note of that.