asked the Taoiseach whether the Government were given any advance notice of the sending of members of the Special Air Services Unit of the British Army to Northern Ireland; and whether any communication was sent to the British Government in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - SAS Unit.
3.
The answer to both parts of the question is "yes". It would not be in accordance with practice to reveal details of contacts between the two Governments on this matter.
May I ask whether it was impressed on the British authorities that such a unit of the British Army having been introduced they should be impartial in tracking down murder gangs and other people responsible for violent acts on both sides rather than concentrating on one only?
As the Deputy is probably aware that aspect of the matter was referred to initially in the statement that was made. When I spoke on the matter I made the same views known.
May I ask whether it was pointed out to the British Government that special care should be taken to ensure that there would be no unauthorised crossings of the Border from the North of Ireland, such crossings which give rise to exacerbated feelings in this matter and which would be counter-productive?
The British Government are aware of the concern felt here on any unauthorised crossings of the Border.