Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 12

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Security Patrols.

Austin Currie

Ceist:

16 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will bring to the attention of the Northern Ireland Office the belief among members of the nationalist community in the North that there has, in recent times, been an increase in the number of security force patrols in the vicinity of churches at times when services are being conducted; that their presence has led to confrontation on a number of occasions; the steps which the Northern Ireland Office will be taking to prevent such occurrences in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Austin Currie

Ceist:

26 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the explanation he has received from the Northern Ireland Office regarding the presence of an army patrol of Scots Guards in direct contact with the community without a police presence at 11.15 a.m. on Sunday, 20 May 1990 at St. Patrick's Church, Dungannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 26 together.

It is imperative that security force operations in Northern Ireland should at all times be conducted in a sensitive manner. The Government are aware of a number of incidents last month, which appear to have been in breach of that principle, when members of the security forces operated patrols in the vicinity of churches during the times of religious services.

The specific incident at St. Patrick's Church, Dungannon, on 20 May gave rise to particular concern; it involved an unaccompanied army patrol and led to unseemly scenes in the area of the church during Mass time.

The various incidents brought to our attention have been raised with the British authorities through the Secretariat in Belfast and our serious concern about them has been conveyed in forceful terms.

In response to our representations, the British authorities have assured us that they appreciate the sensitivity of operations by the security forces in the vicinity of churches, especially when services are in progress. They have informed us that they have again reminded the security forces of the particular sensitivities in question.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and actively and will take up forcefully with the British authorities any incidents of this kind.