Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Roadblocks.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

34 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations and protestations, if any, the Government has made concerning the wholesale closure of major vehicle arteries, ports and airports in Northern Ireland over the week culminating 12 July 1996, which seemed to have been caused in some cases by very small numbers of protesters; whether the Government made representations regarding the need for the Northern authorities to ensure that no such closures should have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15409/96]

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

49 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concern of law abiding citizens, North and South, at the imposition of road blocks throughout Northern Ireland causing suspension of social and economic activity on the four days prior to 12 July 1996; if he has discussed with the Northern Ireland Secretary the efforts, if any, that were made to keep the roads clear; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15497/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 49 together.

I confirm that my Department closely monitored the situation in Northern Ireland in the period from 6 to 12 July and in particular the impact of the illegal traffic blockages and road blocks referred to by the Deputies. On my instructions our concern regarding such roadblocks and the need to assert and protect the rule of law was conveyed to the British authorities within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.

This concern was again underlined personally by me in discussions with the Secretary of State at the special Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference which was convened at the request of the Government on 18 July 1996. I conveyed the Government's assessment of the enormous damage done to relations between the two communities and to nationalist confidence in the RUC. I believe that the discussions were helpful in convincing the British Government of the serious implications of recent events and of the grave concern felt throughout Ireland, and indeed elsewhere, at the security forces' handling of these events.

I hope that the growing appreciation of the damage done to Northern Ireland, politically and economically, by the illegal activities in question will add to the conviction that they should never be allowed to recur.