James McDaid
Question:70 Dr. McDaid asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of military posts that have been totally dismantled to date; and when it is envisaged that they will all be removed. [15190/95]
Written Answers. - Military Posts.
The military posts which have been totally dismantled to date are the Kilturk Patrol Base in February 1995, the Clady permanent vehicle checkpoint in June 1995 and the North Howard Street Mill Army Base in Belfast which was demolished earlier this month.
On 2 October it was announced that three permanent vehicle checkpoints on the border at Derry and Strabane are to be dismantled following the ending of vehicle checking at these patrol bases earlier in the year.
During the meeting of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference yesterday, I stressed the Government's view that the new security situation calls for a fundamental review of the way military posts operate and indeed of the need for them at all. I will continue to press for these posts and the activity associated with them to be wound down in line with reductions in the security threat they were intended to deal with.
James McDaid
Question:71 Dr. McDaid asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the plans to dismantle the British Molvlany surveillance tower overlooking the Rosemount Estate, Derry. [15191/95]
I raised this issue with Secretary of State Mayhew yesterday at the meeting of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. I emphasised the very strong local feeling on the issue and pointed to the benefits in terms of community attitudes to the security forces if the surveillance tower was dismantled. I assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor this issue closely.