I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the instances of non-accompaniment to which his questions refer have been raised with the British authorities. In this regard the Deputy will recall that my predecessor informed the House on 7 November that the British authorities had indicated that a number of practical, logistical or resource constraints made it impossible to guarantee a continuous police accompaniment in all areas. They stated moreover that they were no longer willing to ask the RUC to investigate specific reports of unaccompanied patrols unless there was also a complaint of misbehaviour of the patrol in question or the patrol was alleged to be operating in an area where it should not be.
My predecessor made it clear on that occasion that this position was unsatisfactory and that he had so informed the Secretary of State. I can confirm that in the Anglo-Irish Conference and through the Secretariat in Belfast we have continued to make clear to the British authorities our view that all necessary steps should be taken to give effect to the commitment on accompaniment given at the highest level in the Hillsborough communiqué and that, in the case of reports of unaccompanied patrols, it remains appropriate to inquire into the exceptional circumstances which justified a particular departure from the principles agreed between the two Governments.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to pursue this matter within the Conference framework and that we will continue to raise through these channels instances of unaccompanied patrols which come to our attention.
