asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the anxiety of thousands of supporters of the Irish soccer team who intend travelling to Germany via the United Kingdom to attend the European Cup; if he will get an assurance from the British Government that the Prevention of Terrorism Act will not be used against them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Prevention of Terrorism Act.
29.
The Government are aware of the concern among Irish people both at home and in Britain over the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. These concerns and the Government's own views on the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act have been conveyed to the British Authorities. They were also conveyed to Lord Colville during his recent review of the Act.
We will formally make the British authorities aware, in good time, of the likely intention of large numbers of Irish people to travel via Britain to the European Soccer Championship in the Federal Republic of Germany.
In the event of any Irish citizen being arrested under the PTA, he or she can request the consular assistance of the Irish Embassy in London. The Embassy will, as it has done in the past, render all appropriate assistance to any person detained under the Act.