asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the serious ongoing discrimination being imposed by the British Army on the officers, members and supporters of Crossmaglen GAA Club, County Armagh, within the Anglo-Irish Conference; and if he will make a statement on this very serious situation.
Written Answers. - Discrimination by British Army.
9.
I am familiar with the difficulties faced by the Crossmaglen Rangers GAA Club and I have on many occasions raised specific matters with the British authorities. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the problem dates back to the early seventies when the British army began to use the RUC station adjacent to the GAA grounds as a base for their operations, requisitioning part of the club's land for this purpose.
The principal difficulties experienced by the club were delay in compensation for loss of land, a right of way across club property used by the British army and the club's inability in all the circumstances to fully enjoy and develop their facilities.
Following agreement in February 1985, the Northern Ireland authorities settled the outstanding compensation claim which the GAA had brought in respect of the loss and damage resulting from the operations of the British army. As to the issue of the right of way, I understand its use by the British army has declined in recent years although its continued existence remains a problem for the club and a cause of friction.
I will continue to be responsive to the views of the GAA on this point and others which inhibit the enjoyment and development of the club and will take up issues appropriately with the British authorities. It is not clear from the Deputy's question whether he is referring to some specific recent incident involving officers, members or supporters of Crossmaglen GAA Club. If such is the case, perhaps he would let me have details of the complaint.