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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 2

Written Answers - Foreign Conflicts.

Seán Crowe

Question:

161 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the continued repression of non violent campaigners for an independent Basque state by the Spanish Government; and if he will make representations to the Spanish Government on this issue. [5862/03]

The incident to which the Deputy refers is the closure of a newspaper on foot of an order issued by the Spanish High Court. I understand this order was made as part of an on-going investigation into the activities of ETA. As I have made clear on previous occasions, there can be no place in our democracies for the use or the threat of the use of force.

As I understand the situation, ETA has not abandoned the use of violence. Nor has ETA or the political party associated with it, Batasuna, committed themselves to exclusively peaceful and democratic means of pursuing their aims. The interest of the people whom they claim to represent would be best served if they were to desist from violence and make a commitment to exclusively peaceful and democratic methods.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

162 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has exercised the powers under section 317 of the Defence Act, 1954, to permit the wearing of uniforms by US troops passing through the transit area of Shannon Airport; the date on which any such powers were exercised; the conditions that have been attached to the permission; if similar permission has been granted in respect of any other location or the armed forces of any other country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5875/03]

In accordance with the provisions of section 317 of the Defence Act, 1954, express permission was granted on 13 January 2003 to the US authorities for their military personnel to wear uniforms in the transit areas of Irish airports. It was stipulated that any requests to wear uniform outside the transit area would require further permission.

On five subsequent occasions, foreign military personnel have been granted permission to wear uniform outside the transit areas of Irish airports. Three requests related to US troops who, due to unforeseen circumstances, had to leave the transit area of the airport in uniform. Two other requests related to foreign military personnel, from countries other than the US, who were participating in courses in Ireland.

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