asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) to the effect that the three soldiers arrested in Clones, County Monaghan, were later escorted back to the North on Government instructions; whether this report is correct; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Infringements.
13.
(Cavan): I am aware of the incident referred to in the question. When the Garda Síochána had satisfied themselves that the incursion was the result of a mistake by the soldiers, who were new to the area, gardaí escorted them back across the Border.
I am informed by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that the British Government have conveyed apologies to the Irish Government for this incursion.
Do we take it that it is accepted policy that any such people will be just led across the Border again?
(Cavan): That would be wrong. The Deputy may take it that every case will be treated on its merits and on the circumstances surrounding it.
Did the Minister receive apologies from the British authorities for all the incursions which occurred but were not detected?
That is a separate matter.
(Cavan): I have dealt with the incident referred to in the question and the British Government conveyed an apology to the Irish Government for that incursion.
Did British forces cross the Border into Clones on previous occasions?
We cannot deal with previous occasions.
The Minister might as well not be answering these questions.
I will only deal with the questions on the Order Paper.
The Chair might as well run through them all at once if that is the position. The situation is ridiculous.