Vol. 395 No. 3
71 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made representations to the United Kingdom regarding the Prevention of Terrorism Act; and his views on whether its continuance is a cause of friction between the Irish and British communities in the United Kingdom.
The Prevention of Terrorism Act has been discussed on many occasions with the British authorities and the Government's concerns about this made clear to them. My Department have also provided observations to the reviewer of the Act, Lord Colville, both on the Act itself and on its implementation.
The Government are very conscious of the concern felt by many Irish people in Britain about the operation of the PTA, and its potential for negatively impacting on community relations. It is for this reason that the Government, in discussions with the British authorities, have particularly emphasised the need for the Act to be operated at all times in a sensitive and non-discriminatory manner.
