Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 6

Written Answers. - Paratroop Deployment.

Robert Molloy

Ceist:

32 Mr. Molloy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has lodged a protest with the British authorities regarding paratroop deployment in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4147/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I have conveyed to the British authorities my concerns at the deployment, after the IRA ceasefire, of the First Battalion of the Parachute Regiment in West Belfast. I have also emphasised our serious doubts about deployment the Parachute Regiment in Northern Ireland, given the likelihood of contact with the public which service there involves.

Last month, the British authorities decided to suspend all routine day time military patrolling in the Greater Belfast area, where the First Battalion of the Parachute Regiment is currently stationed. This was widely seen as a significant step in the process of de-escalation by the security forces. I have emphasised to the Secretary of State, as recently as the Intergovernmental Conference of 14 February, the need to ensure continuing rapid and visible deescalation in the level and posture of the security forces in response to the paramilitary ceasefires.