Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 September 2005
594 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the British authorities the sectarian attacks on Catholics in County Antrim during summer 2005; if so, if he will detail the responses he has received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24443/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra614 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the orchestrated and ongoing campaign of violence conducted by loyalists against nationalist communities, particularly in north Antrim; and the steps the Government has taken and intends to take in order to demonstrate support to and to protect Irish citizens who are being subjected to sectarian harassment and intimidation in view of the commitment made in the programme for Government. [25723/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 594 and 614 together.
The Government is extremely concerned at the situation in north Antrim, where Nationalist residents have been subject to intimidatory attacks during the summer, particularly in Ballymena, Ahoghill, Cloughmills and Martinstown. Officials from my Department visited the areas affected during the summer months to meet local residents who had been affected. The Government subsequently discussed the matter with the British authorities through the Intergovernmental Secretariat.
On 22 September 2005 I personally travelled to west Belfast and to County Antrim to meet residents who had been subject to intimidation or attacks, and to discuss the ongoing situation with them. The residents asked me in particular to make representations to ensure that police resources in the area were sufficient to eliminate the attacks.
My Department will continue to monitor that police resources in the area are sufficient to meet requirements. From our contacts with the PSNI, I understand that an additional 625 officers have currently been drafted into the area to address the problem which I welcome. The issue of sectarian attacks will also be on the agenda for the next meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
595 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the matter of the loyalist feud with the British authorities; if so, if he will detail the responses he has received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24444/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has discussed the ongoing criminal activities of loyalist paramilitary groups with the British authorities, including the murders that were carried out over the summer months between rival loyalist factions. The British Government has given assurances that the investigation and prevention of such crimes is a priority for the PSNI, who have continued to vigorously pursue those responsible for the murders.
The Government noted the contents of the sixth IMC report, published on 22 September. The report details that, in addition to the five murders carried out by the UVF between May and August 2005, it had also attempted murder on 15 occasions. The LVF attempted murder on two occasions. The IMC report also details the extent of the police response to the crimes committed. The British Government announced on 14 September 2005 that it would no longer legally recognise the UVF as being on ceasefire.
The Government has repeatedly stated that the eradication of paramilitarism is a priority concern of the Government and shall continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that communities can live their lives free from violence and intimidation.
