asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether the arrangements entered into by the Revenue Commissioners regarding the entering into the territory of the State in our de facto control by patrol cars of the British revenue authority has his approval in view of the fact that the arrangement, while praiseworthy from the point of view of curbing the activities of black-marketeers, is undesirable as it tends to establish a permanence in the Border arrangement and could possibly on occasions lead to breaches of the peace.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Patrol Cars.
I am satisfied that the arrangements between the Revenue Commissioners and the British customs authorities, which permit entry by patrol cars of either party into the territory of the other, are necessary for the suppression of illicit border traffic and are mutually advantageous.
I do not accept the suggestion that the arrangements in question tend to establish the permanence of the Border or to lead to breaches of the peace.
Would the Minister state whether it is a fact, as reported in the papers, that three British customs cars ranged through the streets of Dundalk for some considerable period in a chase?
I have not seen the report to which the Deputy refers and I doubt that it is true.
It is the Irish Press report.