asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the disproportionate cost to the Irish taxpayer of maintaining Border security; and whether he will seek appropriate action by the Government to secure that an equitable share of this is borne by the British Exchequer.
Written Answers. - Border Security Cost.
277.
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Professor Dooge)
I am aware of the cost to the Irish taxpayer of maintaing Border security. The efforts to prevent terrorist acts by organisations such as the Provisional IRA and to ensure that people who carry out such acts in Northern Ireland do not escape into this jurisdiction place a large burden on the Garda Síochána and the Army. Such efforts must and will continue to be made, and the cost arising will have to be borne by the State. Considerations of sovereignty obviously preclude the Deputy's suggestion that another power should be in any way concerned in the fulfilment of the duty of the State to maintain security and civil order.