asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's attitude to each of the 20 paragraphs of a document (details supplied) circulated by an organisation in Britain.
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Emergency Powers Act.
49.
I have noted the views set out in the document to which the Deputy refers. The organisation mentioned by the Deputy has been made aware of the Government's views on the PTA.
The content of legislation to prevent terrorism is a matter for the British Government and Parliament. The Government have, however, been concerned that the elements of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and its operation in a discriminatory and insensitive manner have caused considerable resentment among law-abiding Irish people living in Britain. I have discussed the Act on a number of occasions with British Ministers and my Department has provided specific views to the British authorities and to Lord Colville who has been appointed by the British Government to review the Act.
The particular issues which we have raised with the British Government and Lord Colville include:
— The objection in principle to exclusion orders;
— Doubt as to whether all those held under the Act, are arrested on reasonable suspicion of involvement in an Act of terrorism, granted the low rate of charging;
— The lack of information regarding detentions, including lack of notifications to the Embassy in London;
— The lack of access to legal advice in the first 48 hours of detention;
— The length of detention which at present may extend to seven days;
— The lack of compensation for loss of earnings;
— The concentration of the use of landing and embarkation cards on certain routes to and from Ireland;
— The importance of respecting the use of names in Irish;
— The necessity for tact and sensitivity in the manner in which certain of the PTA powers are exercised.
I wish to assure the Deputy that discussion will continue with the British on our particular concerns. My Department can also provide assistance on request to Irish persons affected by this legislation.