asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been drawn to a statement by Mr. Brian Faulkner in Stormont on 24th February alleging the existence of a security threat in that area and the necessity for security precautions and stating that precautions had also been taken by the responsible Minister in Dublin; if he will give the nature of these precautions; and if he will indicate the threat necessitating them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Six-County Security Threat.
23.
Mr. O'Leary
When speaking on the First Reading of the Bill to repeal the Offences Against the State Acts, on 15th February, I made it clear that the Government were determined to take all necessary measures against any resort to violence for political purposes.
I do not think that any further statement as to the Government's attitude or intentions is called for at this stage.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Minister aware that in the Six County area the authorities are in fact, from what we can see, attempting to fan some sort of sectarian strife and to commemorate in a Unionist manner the 1916 anniversary, and that we in this part of the country by giving credence to the fact that there appears to be a threat, are merely strengthening the hands of these people in their attempt to do that?
Every action that I have taken and will take in regard to this matter on behalf of the Government is based on an absolute determination not to have sectarian strife, and every decision taken by me and by the Government has that objective in view—to avoid sectarian strife on the 50th anniversary of 1916.
Mr. O'Leary
The Minister in the Six Counties is basing his actions on the Minister's actions.
I am concerned only with what I can do and what the Government can do.