John Bruton
Ceist:15 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Dr. Paisley; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18138/99]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:16 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the matters discussed at his meeting on 30 September 1999 with Dr. Ian Paisley; the action, if any, he plans to take as a result of the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18942/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
I met Dr. Ian Paisley, Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, in his capacity as Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church, in Government Buildings last Thursday week. We discussed recent attacks on the Free Presbyterian Church property in Corragarry and Tullyvallen, County Monaghan. I condemned without reservation the violent attacks on the church property. I also stressed to Dr. Paisley that the local community representatives in the areas concerned are appalled at the recent attacks.
I have asked the gardaí to increase their vigilance in protecting church property in Monaghan and the Border area generally and to ensure that special attention is paid to vulnerable places of worship.