asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the repressive regime under which there is undisputed and growing deprivation of civil rights to the majority of black Africans in South Africa, the Government will consider, either at once or progressively over a period, severing all economic and trading links with South Africa and transferring these trading arrangements to the free countries of Black Africa.

On the question of economic and trading links with South Africa, I should perhaps first of all recall that Ireland has, together with its partners in the Community, been considering ways in which the collective weight of the Community can be brought to bear on the Government of South Africa so as to cause it to change its policies. As a first step the Nine have elaborated a code of conduct for firms operating in South Africa and the examination of other possible measures, in which Ireland is playing an active part, is continuing.

At the international level, Ireland has for many years imposed a ban on the export of arms and military equipment to South Africa, in accordance with calls by the Security Council of the United Nations and has urged that this embargo be made mandatory on all member states: we have welcomed the recent decision of the Security Council to this effect. Furthermore, we have recently co-sponsored a resolution in the General Assembly calling on the Security Council to consider imposing a ban on new investment in South Africa.

It is our view, in relation to measures of an economic nature, that it is necessary for the international community to act in concert and after due consideration of the various possibilities, their likely effectiveness and likely consequences. From what I have said it should be clear that we are ready to play our part in such consideration, and to implement those measures which may be decided upon in order to bring pressure to bear on South Africa for change.

I think that international action of the kind I have mentioned would be more likely to be effective than action on our part alone.

I should add, of course, that the Government, quite apart from this, are making every effort to promote trade with the countries of black Africa.

It is very encouraging that all the international power is being turned against South Africa at present. In view of the fact that it is not possible to veto powers in the Security Council, would the Minister not agree that we should take independent action in order to express our horror at the continuing repression in South Africa against these unfortunate people fighting for their liberty, even though I appreciate the economic difficulties in the special circumstances of our historic position?

The Deputy, I and the House generally would be concerned about effective action. I assure the Deputy that, within the process of political consultation of the Nine, we have been actively promoting a development of economic sanctions against South Africa. This is the most effective action we can take and I can assure the Deputy that we will pursue it consistently.

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