Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

60 Caoimhgin Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will fulfil the commitment he made over a year ago to visit south Armagh at the invitation of the south Armagh farmers and residents committee. [20977/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

When I met the south Armagh farmers' and residents committee in October 1998, I discussed issues of concern to them regarding the activities of the security forces in the area and expressed my willingness to visit them in the area at a mutually convenient time in the future.

However, an opportunity arose during the Taoiseach's visit to Newry on 5 February 1999 for the south Armagh farmers and residents committee to put their concerns directly to the Taoiseach. That meeting took place in the Canal Court Hotel. Officials of my Department subsequently met with the committee in south Armagh on 22 July of this year.

The matters of concern to the committee have been raised on an ongoing basis with the British authorities within the framework of the Anglo-Irish intergovernmental conference and will be actively pursued as necessary. My officials will, of course, remain in active touch with the committee, including visiting its members in south Armagh.