Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 4

Written Answers. - Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

44 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the treatment of Irish commuters using Bristol Air-port; the inconvenience resulting for international travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27295/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

From time to time my attention is drawn to complaints arising from experiences of passengers arriving in or leaving British airports and ports. For the most part, complaints of this nature relate to the operation within Britain of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The Government has frequently expressed to the British authorities its concerns regarding the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. In particular, we are concerned at those provisions of the PTA, such as the powers relating to port and border controls, whose application has a disproportionate impact on persons travelling between the two islands. Complaints brought to our notice concerning specific instances of the use of these powers are also raised with the British authorities through the embassy in London.

If the Deputy were to provide me with particulars of the incident or incidents to which he is referring, I would be happy to investigate the matter further and communicate the outcome to him in due course.