With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 12 together.
Since the Taoiseach's initial protest announced on 13th October, 1971, about the cratering of Border roads every opportunity has been taken— most recently on Sunday last at the meeting with Mr. Heath in Brussels— to reaffirm our position.
With regard to the case in point it appears from reports of our security forces that British troops fired CS gas canisters and rubber bullets across the border into County Monaghan. Representations have been made to the British authorities in the matter.
It is not possible for us to say how many Border roads are cratered at any particular time as the cratering is, of course, on the other side of the Border and such roads are constantly being repaired by the local people.