Mary Harney
Ceist:88 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the growing evidence of IRA activity North and South. [4980/97]
Written Answers. - IRA Activity.
The evidence of Provisional IRA activity since the ending of their ceasefire on 9 February 1996 is clear. The Provisional IRA has carried out attacks in this State, Northern Ireland, Britain and Germany which, all told, have resulted in loss of life, serious injuries to many people and widespread damage to property.
The Government has unequivocally denounced these savage attacks and consistently pointed to the futility of the PIRA's renewed campaign of violence in pursuit of political ends. Violence of any kind is counter-productive to bringing about a political settlement to the Northern Ireland situation. It serves only to further delay the commencement of political talks and make the successful negotiation of a settlement all the more difficult to achieve. The Provisional IRA must recognise that progress toward a political solution can only be realised by reinstating their ceasefire so that political dialogue can proceed.
I acknowledge the efforts of the security forces in countering the terrorist activities of the Provisional IRA and pay tribute, in particular, to the Garda Síochána on the success of their most recent operation at Kinnegad which resulted in the recovery of a significant quantity of homemade detonator cord. These important interventions have without doubt prevented serious loss of life and damage to property. The Government will continue to provide all the resources necessary to support the Garda Síochána against those who assist, prepare and carry out these attacks. The Government will also continue to ensure that Anglo-Irish and wider international security co-operation is maintained and, where possible, enhanced in the interests of all communities threatened by terrorist activity.