asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the British authorities to remove the permanent military checkpoints on the four main Donegal Border road crossings namely, Lifford Bridge, Mullennan, Bridgend and Muff, as these are the only remaining permanent military checkpoints along the Border and are a source of delay and harassment for persons travelling on these roads.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Checkpoints.
4.
The British authorities are aware of the anxiety of the Government that the inconvenience caused to traffic by the presence of cross-Border security checkpoints should be minimised. I raised the matter at the meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 15 April. Indeed, the British share our concern. However, checkpoints are necessary for security purposes and as long as the present situation continues, some measure of inconvenience will be inevitable.
When representations are made to me about the situation at any particular crossing, the matter is investigated and, where appropriate is pursued with the British authorities. I have received no such representations recently in regard to Lifford Bridge, Mullennan, Bridgend or Muff. If the Deputy could supply details of the delay and harassment to which he refers I will have the matter investigated.
Has the Minister taken note of the fact that this group of crossings in and out of Donegal, starting with Claddy bridge and moving north as far as Muff, are exceptional? These crossings are all in and out of Donegal, particularly north Donegal and, where other crossings have been removed, new ones have been added in this case. Will the Minister take note of that? I will get him the information in relation to harassment and the times of such that goes on at these points.
I will certainly take that matter up and I will be glad of any information the Deputy can furnish to me on that matter.