asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered the implications of Mr. Roy Mason's repudiation of the Taoiseach's figures on the incidence of the Republic being used as a base for Provisional IRA activity in the North; and if he has sought any explanation from the British authorities for misinforming the Taoiseach if this is the case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Terrorist Incidents List.
12.
Under a procedure instituted in 1975, the British authorities furnish to my Department on a weekly basis a list of terrorist incidents which, they allege, have their origin within or a connection with the Republic. Figures are not compiled attributing responsibility for incidents to specific organisations. In the course of 1977, 28 incidents were alleged by the British authorities to have a connection with the Republic. This is 1.06 per cent of the total number of terrorist-type incidents in Northern Ireland during 1977, as published by the British authorities.
I have not received from the British authorities any evidence which would justify putting any other construction on their statistics than that less than 2 per cent of the violence in the North has a direct connection with the Border.
In view of the fact that Roy Mason's allegations in the House of Commons would lead to an undermining of the Taoiseach's integrity internationally—the suggestion that he might be deliberately misleading the public on this question—has any withdrawal been made, or has Roy Mason been asked to make a withdrawal or a correction of his statement in the House of Commons?
I am glad to assure the Deputy in the first instance that there has been no question of the Taoiseach's integrity being undermined internationally or even here. I appreciate the Deputy's concern. I can assure him that this and matters related to it are the subject of constant consultation between the appropriate authorities at ministerial level and will again be the subject of such consultations.
In view of the recent very large arms dump found in Donegal is it not a fact that the southern authorities as well as the British authorities are misinformed on the amount of Provo activity there is on this side of the Border?
No. One of our concerns was that our very success would be turned against us. I am not suggesting that the implication in the Deputy's question is such. This again is a case of the vigilance and effectiveness of our security forces. It is fair to say that their record stands up very favourably in comparison with the record of any other security forces on any side of the Border. When we apprehend any particular criminals or any sources of arms this should not be used as an implication that in fact we are less than successful in dealing with it. It is the very opposite.
Would the Minister not agree that Roy Mason's scandalous and irresponsible allegation undermining the Taoiseach's position is not an isolated incident, because it appears that we had another allegation recently by Dr. Summerskill on the issue of extradition which has been repudiated by the Government?
The Deputy is enlarging the question. I am calling the next question.
This misrepresentation of Irish politicians is becoming a very bad habit which should be curtailed and a protest made about it by the Government.
The Deputy will appreciate that what is said elsewhere is not a matter over which we have immediate control. We have control over our own consistency and effectiveness. I am quite satisfied in regard to our relations with the British Government, our standing in the European Community and the understanding of our position, that there is a full appreciation of our consistency and effectiveness. That is the most important thing.
Question No. 13.
Can I take it——
We have had enough discussion on this question. We are tending to enlarge the question.
This is Question Time as well as answer time.
I have decided that we have had enough questions. I am calling Question No. 13.
Would the Minister not agree that in this sort of situation the position in relation to extradition is a very serious one? Is he now saying that this question was not discussed and that the charge by the British Member of Parliament is untrue, that there is no question of extradition arrangements being made between our Government and the other countries of Europe?
I am saying no such thing. We will reserve the right, as we have always done, to take up discussions with the British Government at any other level. We will continue to do this. I am quite satisfied that our position is now fully understood and that people will realise that it is not in anyone's interest to misrepresent our position.
Does the Minister not think he should seek a meeting with Mr. Mason at an early date? Will he indicate when he proposes to meet him and the venue?
That is a separate question.
It arises out of this matter.
Anything will arise if we go on long enough.
Would the Minister not care to answer that question? Does he not think it desirable to meet the Northern Secretary at a very early date?
If and when it is desirable it will be known in advance and it will cover a range of common interests.
(Interruptions.)