Northern Ireland Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Questions (183)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

269 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the British Government the disruptive raids by the British Army in the Loughshore area of County Tyrone which began on 1 February 2004 and continued for eight days, causing much inconvenience to local people, damaging lands and blockading the pier (details supplied) in Ardboe; the response he received from the British authorities; the follow-up action that will be taken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4817/04]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

During the course of the security alert which took place between 2 and 9 February in the area of Stewartstown, County Tyrone, my Department was contacted by local political representatives conveying their community's concerns about the rationale for the security operation and the manner in which it was carried out. In addition to the sustained disruption to the area, they drew our attention to the damage which was being done to property of local farmers and fishermen, allegedly by the action of British troops.

I immediately directed my officials to raise these concerns as a matter of urgency with the British authorities, through the offices of the British-Irish intergovernmental secretariat in Belfast. As of yet, we have not received a formal response from the British side. My officials continue to press for this. On foot of this formal response, a decision will be made on what follow-up action may be required.