Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 5

Written Answers. - Border Checkpoints.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

67 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will continue to impress upon the British authorities the need to remove the permanent vehicle checkpoints on the Fermanagh and Cavan border at Mullan, Gortmullan and Wattlebridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16505/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

The consistent position of the Government has been that permanent vehicle checkpoints in border areas should be removed as soon as possible and we have pursued this regularly with the British authorities within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.

In response to recent inquiries within that framework, I am advised by the British authorities that, while road furniture remains in place at a number of posts, none are routinely used as vehicle checkpoints; these installations are principally used as patrol bases. I am further advised by the British side that the need for all military installations is kept under constant review and, where possible, such installations are removed.

The Deputy will be aware that in the British-Irish Agreement the British Government has committed itself to make progress towards the objective of as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements in Northern Ireland, and to publish an overall security strategy dealing,inter alia, with the removal of security installations. The British Government is also committed to regular consultations with the Government on progress in this regard.

In this context, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to urge upon the British authorities the importance of the early removal of such installations, including those mentioned by the Deputy.