asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent report that a buffer zone had been proposed in the Border region; and how such a zone will affect members of the Defence Forces on duty in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Buffer Zone.
36.
No proposal regarding a buffer zone in the Border region has been received. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.
Government policy often originates by kite-flying. This was a very disturbing report. In view of the Minister's reply to Question No. 24—when he indicated that the action started accidentally and then gained other proportions—would the Minister now clearly indicate that, under no circumstances, would the Government agree to any extension of the Border into southern territory? A buffer zone would mean that British troops could operate within portion of the Twenty-six Counties which would, in fact, mean an extension of the Border.
And Irish troops in Northern Ireland—the idea has no attraction. It is bad enough having one Border without creating two more on either side of it.
That should be noted by the Minister's party up in Monaghan.