Vol. 468 No. 2
7 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, that has been made in relation to the removal of the permanent vehicle checkpoints at Mulan, Gortmullan and Wattlebridge on the Cavan/Fermanagh border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/96]
On my instructions, the situation concerning these three permanent vehicle checkpoints has been raised again with the British authorities through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat. They have responded that, due to the present security situation, these checkpoints will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
When I replied to previous questions from the Deputy on this issue on 27 June 1995 and 18 October 1995, I assured him that I would continue to press for the removal of these checkpoints. The de-escalation of security forces activity in Northern Ireland was discussed at meetings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in October and December 1995 during the ceasefire period.
In the lead up to the breakdown of the IRA ceasefire, some progress had been made on easing security restrictions at Border crossings. Approximately 95 per cent of previously closed cross-Border roads have been reopened since August 1994 and have remained so despite the breakdown in the IRA ceasefire. However, the situation in regard to the removal of static checkpoints was disappointing, as I noted in reply to a parliamentary question on the checkpoint at Aughnacloy on 7 February 1996.
I continue to be of the view that the permanent vehicle checkpoints at Mulan, Gortmullan and Wattlebridge should be removed as soon as possible. It is clear that a restoration of the IRA ceasefire would substantially improve the prospects of achieving this goal.
At the most recent Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference meeting on 22 May there was a full discussion of the measures being taken by the security forces in response to the current security threat. The Government accepts the need to take account of the situation created by the breakdown of the IRA ceasefire and to counter any threat of terrorist activity. I know that the Garda Síochána has the support of the whole House in its co-operation with the RUC and the British police to this end. At the same time the two Governments are agreed on the importance of confidence-building on all sides and on minimising inconvenience to the public. The Conference meeting on 22 May reaffirmed our willingness to respond appropriately to reductions in the security threat. I hope that progress on removing permanent vehicle checkpoints on the Border can be resumed at an early date in the context of a restored IRA ceasefire.
I thank the Tánaiste and his officials for their ongoing efforts in this regard. I appeal to him to continue to raise this matter with the British authorities through the Intergovernmental Conference. Does the Tánaiste agree that these permanent vehicle checkpoints are of dubious security value compared to mobile patrols? Would he also agree that they are unsightly, unseemly and a hindrance to the development of trade and conmerce in the Border region?
In the tourist season they convey a bad image of the Border region to visitors, particularly those from countries where we are trying to attract investment. I urge the Tánaiste and his Government colleagues to redouble their efforts in this regard.
I understand the Deputy's genuine concern over the presence of these vehicle checkpoints and I agree with his sentiments about their impact on tourism as well as the inconvenience caused. I will do everything possible to ensure that they will be removed at the earliest opportunity. The matter is on the agenda of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference and it will be raised again at our next meeting.
