Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 5

Written Answers. - UK Exclusion Orders.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

35 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he discussed with the British Prime Minister the question of exclusion orders from the United Kingdom prior to the recent decision by the British Government to revoke these orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4433/95]

Dermot Ahern

Question:

42 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, if any, he has had with the British authorities regarding the question of exclusion orders from the United Kingdom prior to the recent decision by the British Government to revoke these orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5576/95]

Seamus Brennan

Question:

60 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request the British Government to reconsider the renewal of the United Kingdom Prevention of Terrorism Act; and if he will suggest to the British Prime Minister that such renewal would be inconsistent with the peace process and Framework Document. [5508/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 42 and 60 together.

I have consistently emphasised to the British authorities the need to respond to the new situation created by the ceasefires, including giving consideration to the dismantlement of emergency legislation enacted over the past 25 years. It has been pointed out that this would be appropriate not only in the context of the ending of the campaigns of violence, but would contribute to creating a climate conducive to agreement and political progress.

With regard to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, we have made clear our view, including indirect contact with the independent reviewer appointed by the British Government to monitor its operation, that serious consideration should be given to the non-renewal of the Act, or at least to allow significant sections to lapse. While the British Government recently decided to renew the Act in its entirety, it indicated that it would continue to keep the need for existing provisions under close review. We will avail of every appropriate opportunity to make known our views on this matter, including the contribution which the ending of emergency legislation can make to the consolidation of the peace process.

An aspect of the legislation which causes particular concern is the provision for exclusion orders. Our views on this issue were made known to the British authorities at all levels. They would have been fully aware of these views prior to the recent decision to lift a number of exclusion orders in Britain. While this decision is welcome, the continuing provision for such orders in the legislation is likely to ensure that they remain a source of controversy and public disquiet. We will continue to make known our concerns in this regard to the British authorities.