asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to abuses of Article 4 of the UK Prevention of Terrorism (Supplemental Provisions) Order, 1984; and if he will outline whether the provisions of the Act are being used in a discriminatory manner against Irish citizens.
Written Answers. - Abuse of PTA Legislation.
30.
The Deputy is referring to the examination of persons arriving in or leaving Great Britain by ship or aircraft. This has the purpose of determining whether any such person is or has been connected with terrorist activities.
The measures necessary to defend lives and property from IRA and other terrorist violence in Great Britain are a matter for the British Parliament and Government. I am conscious, however, that the possibility of abuse of powers and of discrimination against Irish citizens is inherent in the PTA legislation. Successive Ministers for Foreign Affairs have made representations concerning the scope and method of operation of the Act on a regular basis to the British Government. These representations have been aimed at ensuring that the legislation is applied in an equitable manner and that abuses are avoided. I shall continue to make such representations.
Since 1984, the Prevention of Terrorism legislation is no longer restricted to terrorism connected with Northern Ireland but deals also with international terrorism.