Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Conflict.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

55 Ms. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in relation to the present conflict in Northern Ireland, he will give the total number of violent deaths in 1992, the total number of serious injuries inflicted by terrorist activities in 1992 and the total number of serious explosions in 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

In 1992, 85 people died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland. Figures available for the first 11 months of 1992 indicate that during this period 1,020 persons suffered injuries due to political violence and there were 198 explosions in Northern Ireland.

Everyone in Northern Ireland is entitled to lead his or her life in peace, protected from the threat of murder or maiming by paramilitaries. I have made clear my utter revulsion at the heinous activities of these groups, from whatever side they come. Just as I have condemned Republican paramilitaries, I condemn the murderous brutality of Loyalist paramilitaries who last year were responsible for more deaths than any other group.

The paramilitary threat was discussed in detail at last weeks meeting of the Anglo-Irish Inter-governmental Conference. The conference expressed its total and unequivocal condemnation of recent murders and other terrorists acts, from whichever section of the community they came.

I emphasised to the Secretary of State at our meeting last week the Government's concern that everything possible be done to protect those at risk and the absolute need to bring to justice those responsible for crimes of violence. Both Governments were in full agreement that the threat of violence must be faced as resolutely and effectively as possible, whatever the source.