asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to newspaper reports that the Irish passports illegally used by representatives of the United States Government during a trip to Iran in May of last year were supplied to the United States by British Intelligence Services, who were reported to have seized them from the Provisional IRA; if he has carried out any investigation into these reports; if he has made any protests to the British or US authorities on the matter; if the Government's own investigations have yet established the source of the passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Illegal Irish Passports.
20.
The actions taken by the Government in response to reports alleging the misuse of Irish passports by US personnel are set out in replies to Dáil questions given by the then Minister on 27 November 1986 and by me on 24 March and 16 June. Those involved are aware of the grave concern of the Irish Government at the allegations and the US Secretary of State has accepted the view of the Irish Government that any misuse of Irish passports is totally unacceptable.
I have seen the media reports referred to by the Deputy and as part of our ongoing investigation into the allegations the contents of these reports have been raised with the British and US authorities.
Deputies will be aware of the Congressional investigations under way in the United States. We are following them closely and shall take whatever further action is considered necessary.