Vol. 248 No. 7
asked the Minister for External Affairs if, having regard to the number of incidents of armed British troops crossing from the Six Counties area into this State, he has made any protests to the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
13.
asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he is aware that British troops stationed in Northern Ireland have crossed the border on a number of occasions; whether any record has been kept of the number of such incursions; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.
Various Border infringements by British troops which were reported to the Ministers for Justice and Defence were brought to the notice of the British Ambassador who was asked to request his authorities to take every precaution to prevent recurrences.
The ambassador has today assured me that these incursions were accidental—this I accept. His Government have expressed regret that they should have occurred and they are having them investigated. Furthermore, they have given an assurance that they are taking steps to prevent recurrences.
Is the Minister satisfied with the explanations?
I have already answered that question.
Is the Minister satisfied with the explanations because, quite clearly, Senator McGlinchey is not satisfied; he has rebelled on two occasions.
That matter does not arise. These references are not in order. I am calling Question No. 14.
Were these incursions by the British a reprisal for the Minister's invasion of the Falls Road?
Is the Minister satisfied with the explanation that this will not occur during the next few months?
I have already said that I accepted the assurance that these were accidental incursions. I cannot help the Deputy's fascination for Fianna Fáil. If he thinks that everything that happens in this country is to be used for political purposes, I cannot help that.
You do happen to be the Government.
You are not able to be a Government.
There are two Parliaments, one in Letterkenny and the other in Dublin.
What about the Government in exile? Are you not afraid of them?
Would Deputies allow questions to continue? I am calling Question No. 14.
With all your talk you are very worried now.
