I propose to take Priority Question No. 6 and Question No. 43 together.
Both Governments are fully committed to the principle, enunciated in the Hillsborough communique, that the armed forces — which include the Ulster Defence Regiment — operate only in support of the civil power in Northern Ireland.
The Irish Government attach very great importance to the application of this principle with the particular objective, as set out in the Hillsborough communique, "of ensuring as rapidly as possible that save in the most exceptional circumstances there is a police presence in all operations which involve direct contact with the community".
The British Government have reaffirmed their commitment to the principle of police accompaniment of army and UDR operations which involve direct contact with the community. They have pointed, moreover, to progress which has been achieved in increasing actual levels of accompaniment in certain areas. However, they have indicated also that a number of practical, logistical or resource constraints made it impossible to guarantee a continuous police accompaniment in all areas. As I stated to the House as recently as 7 November, I have made clear to the Secretary of State that I do not regard the current position as satisfactory. The Irish Government hold firmly to the objective of ensuring that the principle of accompaniment is seen to be implemented fully in line with the commitments which have been made at the highest level in the Hillsborough communique, and on many other occasions subsequently, and I shall be pursuing this issue at future meetings of the Anglo-Irish Conference.
I understand the statement referred to by Deputy Bruton was made at a private meeting of the British-Irish Inter-parliamentary Body which took place on 3 December and that it was strongly contest by others present, including both Irish and British parliamentarians. Remarks by members of the body meeting in private sessions are a matter for themselves. No report on this or any other private meeting has been communicated by the body to the Government, and it would not be appropriate for the Government to seek to intervene in the affairs of the body.