asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the British Army cum RUC patrol abducted a man on this side of the south Armagh border yesterday and then arrested him on the northern side before taking him to some unknown destination and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Private Notice Questions: - Border Patrol Abduction Allegations.
I understand that a search operation was conducted yesterday by members of the Northern Ireland security forces on the northern side of the Border in the area of Carndonagh, near Crossmaglen, County Armagh, and that a man taking a video of this operation was arrested in a hayshed which straddles the Border. I am aware of allegations that the arrest occurred in a part of the hayshed lying in this jurisdiction.
I have received a report from the Garda Síochána which does not confirm these allegations. The allegations have been denied by the RUC, one of whose members was, I understand, injured while making the arrest.
Is the Minister aware that the gardaí were on the roadway but the incident in question took place in the farmyard. He is quite right in saying that the farmyard straddles the Border. The individual in question was taking a film of the British security forces vandalising farm outhouses on the other side to retain it as evidence when the subsequent claim would be submitted.
As I have said, I have had a report from the gardaí who were at the scene. The report does not confirm the allegations referred to in the Deputy's question.
It is in the camera.
Will the Minister be making a protest to the British authorities about the matter?
There are grounds on which to make a protest. As I have said, the Garda report does not confirm the allegations that were made. That being the case, there are no grounds for protest.
Have the Minister's Department made any contact with the British authorities about the individual who was abducted?
Not so far.
I wish to raise the question on the Adjournment, namely to ask the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider amending the regulations relating to the Euro-currency loan scheme?
I will communicate with Deputy Byrne.