asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have investigated reports (details supplied) of the alleged incursion and aggressive action of a British Army helicopter in County Monaghan on the 6th January, 1972; and if he has made representations to Britain concerning the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Army Helicopter Allegation.
28.
This alleged incident has been thoroughly investigated and the Garda Síochána are not satisfied that the published reports under reference were correct in suggesting that a British Army Helicopter had crossed the Border or had opened fire at any time during the incident in question. Consequently no representations have been made to the British authorities in the matter.
Can the Minister state if inquiries have been completed and if he is satisfied that the alleged incursion did not take place?
It is not clear enough to make it a sound basis for a complaint.
Would the Minister not agree that it is not necessary for these helicopters to cross the Border? On at least one occasion they have fired at a farmhouse south of the Border from inside the Six Counties.
I would ask the Minister to include in whatever investigations that may be going on the recent incursions by helicopters at night time. These helicopters are equipped with searchlights, they are circulating from Magilligan concentration camp across the territorial waters of Lough Foyle. This has been happening since Monday night.
Certainly I would have this investigated. What I was making clear to the House is that if I cannot get clear grounds for a complaint it is not worth making the complaint. There are sufficient good grounds for complaints besides bringing up complaints for which we have not clear evidence.
There were sufficient grounds for complaints about brutality but the Minister did nothing.
We made our representations.
Did the Minister receive complaints in this case?
There were complaints received and an investigation was carried out on the basis of such complaints.
There were a number of complaints made?
Not to me.
Can the Minister state what action the authorities should take when an armed helicopter comes across the Border or opens fire from the other side of the Border? What instructions have the authorities got in cases such as this? Are they to hold their fire or are they to return the fire?
I do not think the Deputy should press this matter to the point of doing something which we would not decide to do in cold blood. The incursions are serious matters and we make complaints to the Government with which we have diplomatic relations. To propose that we should off-handedly and light-heartedly take serious action—if this is what the Deputy is proposing—could not be entertained.
Would the Minister take what I have said in regard to what happened on Monday night as a complaint and have it investigated? This carry on, in addition to the provocation caused by the camp, is a little beyond the endurance of the people living in the area.
I can assure the Deputy that I take seriously anything said by Deputies in this House.
I can only say to the Minister "more fool you".
It is wise that in dealing with this we should realise that what we say in this House is taken seriously.