Vol. 470 No. 8
47 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to raise with the British authorities, through the Anglo-Irish Conference or by other means the reported and alleged involvement of a member of the Northern Ireland Police Authority in an illegal roadblock at Cookstown during the week prior to 12 July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16235/96]
I am aware of the report and allegation to which the Deputy refers. In the aftermath of the events surrounding Drumcree the Government made its views known fully to the British Government at the special meeting of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 18 July 1996. This meeting was convened at the request of the Government. Matters relating to those events were also raised through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
Central to the concerns we expressed regarding the events of the week prior to 12 July were the implications for Nationalist confidence in the RUC and the rule of law. I assure the Deputy that these concerns continue to form an important item of discussion with the British Government within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Agreement. The issue goes well beyond the alleged involvement of any one individual, and I would prefer to treat it on that broader basis.
