Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding illegal business practice by Irish companies in Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3336/11]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding illegal business practice in Western Sahara; if he will request Irish companies operating there to suspend their business until such time as the Saharawi people benefit from the presence of international companies in their country; if he will make it clear to Irish companies abroad that unethical and illegal business practices will not be accepted by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3485/11]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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1I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 323 together.

The Government has consistently supported the right to self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara. Ireland has not taken a position on the future status of the territory, so long as that status is decided in a genuine exercise of self-determination. At present, the Western Sahara is a non-self governing territory. Under international law, the economic resources of a non-self governing territory may only be exploited for the benefit of the people of the territory, on their behalf or in consultation with their representatives.

The Government has consistently made clear its view that any exploration and exploitation activities that proceed in disregard of the interests and wishes of the people of Western Sahara would be in violation of the principles of international law applicable to natural resource activities in non-self governing territories. The Government would expect that any Irish company operating abroad would have due regard to the principles of international law and the rights of the inhabitants of the territory.