Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2004
61 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the detention of a person (details supplied) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002 on 19 October 2004 at Holyhead, Wales; if he or his office has contacted the British or Northern Ireland authorities regarding the operation and future of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27277/04]
View answerAs I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 267 of 17 November, the case to which the Deputy referred is under discussion with the British authorities. My officials have arranged to meet with the British authorities in London on 1 December to discuss this case and the broader issues of concern to which it gives rise.
With regard to the more general question as to the operation and future of the Terrorism Act 2000, the Deputy is aware that the Act allows for all travellers from any country entering the UK to be stopped, searched and examined. The Government understands the necessity for governments, including the British Government, to deal effectively with the threat of terrorism. At the same time, we are concerned that the application of provisions of the Terrorism Act 2000, such as the powers relating to airport and border controls, should be applied sensitively and in such a way that they do not cause undue inconvenience or embarrassment to travellers or discriminate against persons travelling between the two islands. The matter is the subject of regular discussions with the British side.
