asked the Minister for External Affairs what explanation the British Government gave for the incursion by units of their army across the Border adjacent to Swanlinbar, County Cavan on Monday, 25th January, 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Violations.
4.
Representations were immediately made to the British authorities in connection with the incident under reference. In reply, they have stated that the incursion was accidental and have expressed regret.
Is the Minister aware that this trespass took place on the main road between Enniskillen and Longford and that there are tourist signs indicating to motorists that they are leaving Northern Ireland? Had this patrol gone another few hundred yards they would actually have seen the village of Swanlinbar. Would the Minister emphasise to the British authorities that these trespasses are dangerous?
Is the Minister aware that during the emergency Irish troops, accompanied by Members of this House, crossed the Border accidentally on numerous occasions, apologised, and that was the end of it?
This could not have been accidental.
Of course it was accidental. The Deputy could do it himself and so could I.