Vol. 455 No. 1
34 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, if any, he has had with the British authorities regarding the removal of the permanent vehicle checkpoint at Mullan on the Cavan/Fermanagh border; the progress, if any, that has been made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11719/95]
46 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, if any, he has had with the British authorities regarding the removal of the permanent vehicle checkpoint at Gortmullan on the Cavan/Fermanagh border; if so, the progress, if any, which has been made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11753/95]
47 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions, if any, he has had with the British authorities regarding the removal of the permanent vehicle checkpoint at Wattlebridge on the Cavan/Fermanagh border; if so, the progress, if any which has been made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11754/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 46 and 47 together.
Since last September, I have repeatedly urged the British authorities to move as quickly as possible toward normal traffic conditions at all Border crossings in view of the greatly altered situation on the ground. I have emphasised that this should include the removal of vehicle checkpoints, including the three checkpoints mentioned by the Deputy at Mullan, Gortmullan and Wattlebridge. I am aware that these remain a source of inconvenience for many people in Border areas, and this has been the subject of representations to the British Government through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat.
As the Deputy will know, the Kilturk and Clady checkpoints are being dismantled at present, while the ramps have been removed at some others. In my view the time has come to remove all remaining vehicle checkpoints as soon as possible and I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to press for this at every available opportunity.
