As the Deputy is aware from the previous questions to which I have replied, the Government remains very concerned about the situation in West Papua, or Irian Jaya, as it is now known. I am aware of the outstanding questions about the circumstances surrounding the 1969 Act of Free Choice in Irian Jaya and the role of the UN in that process.
On whether the matter should be revisited, as I have made clear previously, Ireland was not a party to the 1969 Act and it is not within the Government's power to re-examine the outcome of the Act. On the question of a possible UN review of the events of 1969, this would be a matter for the UN Secretariat and the UN Secretary General. Procedurally, re-opening the issue would require the support of UN member states.
It is my understanding from our mission to the UN that, at present, there appears to be no significant support among UN member states for a review of the 1969 decision. There is no intention on the secretariat's part to re-open the issue. Furthermore, there is concern that such a review may prejudice ongoing efforts to initiate a peaceful and meaningful dialogue with the Government authorities in Jakarta and would not contribute to the amelioration of the current situation of the people.