asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself with the level of the accompaniment of the UDR by the RUC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - UDR Patrols.
14.
The accompaniment by the RUC of UDR patrols which come into direct contact with the community is a policy to which I attach a high priority. The Deputy will be aware that the principle of RUC accompaniment in such circumstances has already been agreed by the British authorities, so what is involved now is the implementation of that principle. I have been availing of the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference to press for the full implementation of this principle with all possible speed. I have also availed of the conference machinery to raise specific cases of unaccompanied UDR patrols which have been brought to my attention, and I will continue to pursue such cases vigorously in the conference.
The Deputy asks if I am satisfied with the level of accompaniment. I am satisfied that progress is being made, but I will be fully satisfied only when all UDR patrols are accompanied by the RUC on all operations involving contact with the community.