Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 2

Written Answers. - Arrests of Irish Citizens in Britain.

Enda Kenny

Question:

28 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of arrests of Irish citizens in Britain under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

While the statistics published by the British authorities on the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act do not include a breakdown by citizenship, they indicate that the total number of persons arrested and detained in Britain in conncection with Northern Ireland related terrorism in each of the past five years is as follows:

Year	Total Detentions
1988	170
1989	163
1990	169
1991	121
1992	140

The Deputy can be assured that the Government monitors closely the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act as it affects the Irish community in Britain and Irish citizens travelling to and from Britain. The British authorities are fully aware of the Government's views with regard to this legislation, and of our concern that it should be applied in an even-handed manner. For its part the Embassy in London continues to monitor developments in individual cases and to maintain close contact in this area with the British authorities.