asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed the occupation of a portion of the GAA grounds in Crossmaglen, County Armagh by sections of the British Army, with (a) the Northern Secretary of State and (b) the executive of the GAA; his proposals, if any, for the improvement of the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Occupation of GAA Grounds.
7.
The grounds of the GAA club at Crossmaglen, County Armakh are next to the combined RUC station and army base and this has been a source of tension and difficulty since the beginning of the present period of violence in Northern Ireland. In July 1974 the British authorities compulsorily acquired part of the GAA grounds and in 1976 further land was requisitioned, some of it belonging to the GAA.
The problem arising for the GAA in Crossmaglen have been brought to the attention of my Department over the years and have been raised frequently with the British authorities, including a number of times in recent weeks. On 12 March I had a meeting with Mr. Padraig MacFloinn, President of the GAA and other officers of the association to review the position at the Crossmaglen Club and to discuss ways in which the situation can be improved. Following on that meeting I am making further representations to the British authorities and I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to persuade them to redress the situation and to minimise the inconvenience accruing to the Crossmaglen Club at the present time.
I have already availed of the meeting which I had with Lord Carrington, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in London on 4 March to convey my concern about the matter to the British Government at senior ministerial level. If no progress has been made I will of course raise the matter at the forthcoming meeting which I plan to have with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I intend to impress upon him the need for an equitable solution to the problem to be found as a matter of urgency.
Would the Minister indicate what the attitude of the British authorities was to representations made in the past about this problem?
I very strongly impressed on them the importance of doing something now. My proposal to the British authorities is that the most likely way of achieving some progress here is to complete their work at the base as quickly as possible. This would involve moving the helicopter landing pad away from the playing area. As I said to the British, this is a matter of urgency and should be dealt with as quickly as possible because it is a continuing source of irritation and friction in the area.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, which did not answer my question, and appreciating the efforts he intends making, would he tell the House what was the response of the British to the representations which were made in the last few years?
That is a separate question.
There was a lack of urgency on the part of the British authorities in the past. I have impressed on them that urgency is of the essence, and I hope this will bear fruit.
Does this mean no effort was made in the past?
The Minister is criticising the Minister for Finance.
When did the Government first make representations regarding the GAA grounds at Crossmaglen?
Consistent representations in regard to this matter have been made since 1974.
Is that what is called Lenihan lingo?
The Deputy does not understand the facts of life. He should not try to disturb the equilibrium of the afternoon.
The Minister has just done that.
Would the Minister not agree that, despite repeated representations by the Irish Government about the playing fields at Crossmaglen, as far as the GAA are concerned the situation has deteriorated?
As a result of my very strong representations to the British authorities that this was a matter of the gravest urgency and a cause of friction and tension in the Crossmaglen and South Armagh area, some action is now being taken.
When can we anticipate that this matter will be resolved to the satisfaction of the GAA?
I will keep the House informed. I have been in touch with the GAA at the highest level and they appreciate the efforts I am making. That appreciation was conveyed to me by the president and the secretary general of the GAA.
I was not asking the Minister for his well known commercials. I was asking him to give a date when, due to his very strong representations, this matter would be resolved.
The Deputy must realise I cannot give a date but I hope it will be resolved in a matter of months.
Is that what the Minister regards as an urgent, serious response?
(Interruptions.)
Order.
Is the Minister satisfied that the British require the Crossmaglen GAA grounds for military purposes?
The important aspect here is to remove the helicopter landing pad so that the helicopter operations can be separate from the playing and other activities on the GAA pitch.
I can appreciate what is actually required now. Is the Minister satisfied that militarily this ground is required by the military authorities in Northern Ireland?
That is from the past. That happened in 1974.
Do I take it that the answer is yes?
I am dealing with the problems of 1980.
Questions Nos. 8, 9, 10 and 11 are postponed.