Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Oct 1990

Vol. 402 No. 3

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Security Leaks.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

38 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any discussions with the British authorities regarding the result of the Stevens Inquiry into security leaks in Northern Ireland, especially in view of the recent decisions to drop charges against five people who were charged as a result of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

The Report of the Stevens Inquiry, which was completed last May, has been the subject of detailed discussions between the Secretary of State and myself at meetings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference including, most recently, at last week's conference in London.

The recent decision not to proceed with charges against five people arrested as a result of the Stevens investigation was taken by the Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions. In the circumstances, I would prefer not to comment publicly on that decision.

In all my discussions with the Secretary of State, I have underlined the deep concern of the Government and of the nationalist community in Northern Ireland about collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and certain elements within the security forces, which gave rise to the Stevens investigation. At recent meetings of the conference, I have in particular stressed the priority we attach to the fullest implementation of the recommendations in the Stevens report which were designed to address this extremely serious problem.

All aspects of the Stevens report remain actively on the agenda of the Intergovernmental Conference.