John Bruton
Question:2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the US ambassador to Ireland. [9862/98]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Meetings on Northern Ireland.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:3 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the discussions, if any, he has had with the British authorities and the GAA regarding the occupation by the British Army of the Crossmaglen GAA pitch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9872/98]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:4 Mr. Deenihan asked the Taoiseach if he has made a request to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to have the British Army outpost removed from Crossmaglen GAA ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9917/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, together.
In my address to the GAA at its annual congress on Saturday, 18 April, I conveyed my desire to see an end to all contention between the GAA and the security forces in Northern Ireland. At a time when we are engaged in the process of bringing people of all traditions closer together and seeking to encourage the development of a new shared sense of identity, it is now opportune for both sides to make positive gestures in line with the spirit of the recently concluded agreement.
I know the GAA — an organisation which has played such a key role in the unfolding chapters of our history — will not be found wanting. Neither have I made any secret that I would like to see the entire grounds of the Crossmaglen Rangers GAA Club restored to them by the security forces. My views on this matter have been conveyed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr. Mowlam, who has indicated that an early meeting will take place on the issue. In the context of the Agreement and the programme of de-escalation of security measures for which it provides, including the removal of security installations, such a move would be a positive step. The time is now right and I look forward to positive outcomes in both cases.
It has not been the practice, and I do not intend now to report on my meetings with members of the Diplomatic Corps — such as my recent meeting with ambassador Jean Kennedy-Smith. I do not propose to comment further on the meeting other than to say that I availed of the opportunity to convey to the ambassador the Government's deep appreciation of her personal contribution to the peace process and to thank her for her exemplary service as ambassador.
I am somewhat confused as to why Question No. 2 was included with two questions about the GAA pitch at Crossmaglen. Was that matter discussed with the US ambassador? Will the Taoiseach indicate the content of his discussions with the ambassador regarding a possible visit by President Clinton to this country, either before or after the referendum?
It is a long standing practice in the House that the Taoiseach does not give details of meetings with the diplomatic corps. I met the ambassador at her request to brief her in detail regarding the Northern Ireland Agreement and other meetings she knew I had both at the time of and after the Agreement. I do not wish to report on those.
I answered a question on the possibility of a visit by President Clinton last week. Mr. Jim Steinberg visited the Department this morning and met the secretary general and others. He has also visited Northern Ireland and will report back to the President. I consider it unlikely that the President will visit here before 22 May. I am not sure what will happen after that.
Has the Taoiseach recently raised with the relevant British authorities the continued use by the British Army of Crossmaglen Rangers GAA grounds on the basis that alternative areas in the vicinity of Crossmaglen not owned or used by the GAA could provide the British military authorities with the type of facilities they need? Will he agree its occupation of that ground is tantamount to a continuous provocation by the British Army?
The answer to the Deputy's question is "yes". I have continuously raised this issue. Last summer the view was that if a further ceasefire was implemented the matter would be looked at and when the ceasefire was announced the view was that if we moved towards an agreement it would certainly be given consideration. I have continued to raise this issue at all levels and I table it as an agenda item when we are going through the list. It is an appropriate time now to address it.
The Crossmaglen Rangers Club is very successful, undertakes a great deal of activities for young people in the community and involves people who have never been involved in violent activities. In spite of all the difficulties, the members have gone about their every day business, but this is affecting the development of their club. I and previous Governments have pointed this out to the British authorities at all levels and through the Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlam, who has been as helpful as she can be but this is ultimately a security decision for the GOC of the forces in Northern Ireland in conjunction with the RUC. The circumstances exist for them to consider alternatives.
As Deputy Quinn will be aware, the argument that has been used for a long time is that not alone has the British Army taken up the site, but there has been considerable excavation of it and other developments of which nobody knows the extent, but it is commonly felt this is not as simple a post as it would seem from the Crossmaglen Rangers pitch. I hope they can move to an alternative site as that would be helpful.
Perhaps I misunderstood the Taoiseach and I want him to clarify the position, but can I take it from what he said that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said that ultimately a decision on the utilisation of this site is exclusively a matter for the GOC of the British Army and the Secretary of State or any other member of the British Cabinet has no control over the British Army as to whether it squats on this land as distinct from any other land that may meet the same operational needs? Is the British Army acting unilaterally in this and is it the case that the British Cabinet has no control in directing it to move off this site? Is that what the Taoiseach told me?
The position is that for the past 30 years operational decisions on these matters, particularly this matter which has been raised by so many people, have been a matter for the GOC. There has been political will among some Secretaries of State down through the years to move this on, but there has never been a compromising position from GOCs. If we are to make progress in this area, we need the co-operation of the Secretary of State, the head of the RUC and the GOC for Northern Ireland.
Apart from the Secretary of State, has the Taoiseach discussed this matter directly with the British Prime Minister at any stage? Will he seek a time frame for the removal of this British Army outpost? Did he give a commitment to the Secretary of State during the course of his discussions that if the British Army removes this outpost he will request the GAA to remove Rule 21 from its constitution?
I raised this issue with everybody in authority, including the British Prime Minister. A meeting is due to take place shortly at which I hope we can make some progress, but I do not want to set any time limits. I have not had any discussions at any time about Rule 21 with the British Government or any of its officials. I am not in a position to make any commitments about Rule 21 which is entirely a matter for Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and its members. It is none of my business.
Do I detect from the Taoiseach's response that there is a deal and Rule 21 is linked to the Crossmaglen situation?
That is outrageous.
Does the Taoiseach accept that Rule 21 is a stand alone measure? Irrespective of what happens regarding the position in Crossmaglen, does he accept that Rule 21 in its current form is unacceptable and that until the GAA constitution is changed, Rule 21 casts a cloud over the Gaelic Athletic Association in the Republic and beyond?
The Deputy obviously has not listened to me. I said that Rule 21 is a matter for Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. I understand it will hold a conference at the end of May to discuss it. I stated in response to Deputy Deenihan that there is no connection in my mind, or the minds of any officials to whom I spoke, with the issues that arise in Crossmaglen. Rule 21 may be changed or not changed by the members of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. It is not a matter for me. I have no right to trade off the rules of a national organisation and it would be entirely wrong of me to do so.
Does the Taoiseach accept that the continued occupation by the British army of the Crossmaglen Rangers' pitch is a provocation and an insult not only to the members of the GAA in Crossmaglen but also to the organisation's members throughout the island and particularly in the North?
Am I correct that the Taoiseach agrees that any link between leaving Crossmaglen Rangers' pitch and any other matter, such as Rule 21, would be an insult to the members of the GAA? The occupation of the pitch is such an insult and a provocation that it should end at the earliest possible moment irrespective of any other matter.
I agree with the Deputy regarding the second part of his question.
Regarding the Deputy's other point, as I said to Deputy Quinn, it would be extremely helpful to the entire community and the membership of the GAA nationally, particularly the members of Crossmaglen Rangers, if after all these years the British army found somewhere else to locate its outpost. I am not in a position to comment on whether it believes it requires the outpost for security reasons. However, it would helpful if it found another location in the vicinity.