asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the agreement on cross-Border security entered into by the former Taoiseach with the British Prime Minister on 5 September 1979—which was subsequently the subject of detailed discussions between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Justice and their British counterparts—still stands in its original form and, if there has been any departure from the full terms of the original agreement, if he will state the nature of such change.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Security Agreement.
25.
There has been no change in the arrangements agreed between Irish and British Ministers on 5 October 1979, following the meeting between the Taoiseach's predecessor and the British Prime Minister on 5 September 1979.
Does that include provisions which would allow the British forces to operate, with permission, within our present territorial jurisdiction?
It does not.
Is there not agreement of that nature?
Question Time has ended.
I should like the Minister to clarify that reply. Do the arrangements not include anything involving British forces operating with permission in our territory in accordance with the long number of such cases read out in this House by the Minister's predecessor?
There have been arrangements during a number of years whereby ad hoc incursions have taken place with permission but there is no regularised basis on which this permission is allowed to operate.
This is a different Ireland that the Minister is talking of now. It is the real Ireland.
(Interruptions.)
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I wish with the permission of the Chair to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
Perhaps the Minister wishes us to begin calling for his resignation.
Order. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.