Written Answers Nos. 22-41
22. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the findings and recommendations of the Malaria Chemoprophylaxis Working Groups 2011-2013 and 2015-2017; if they have been published; the actions the implementation group has taken to give effect to those recommendations; and the frequency with which the group met. [3715/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Malaria Chemoprophylaxis Working Group referred to by the Deputy reported in April 2013 and subsequently in October 2017. As these reports were prepared in the context of current and potential litigation, they are legally privileged and will not be published.
The second Working Group report, finalised in October 2017, made a number of recommendations intended to ensure that the Defence Forces medical policies and practices continue to develop in light of best practice. These recommendations focused on a number of different areas, including planning, training, education and information sharing. There is also a recommendation to establish a Medical Advisory Group to provide ongoing expert medical advice, including that of external experts, to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters including malaria chemoprophylaxis. An Implementation Group subsequently established to progress these recommendations has met on six occasions to date and is progressing its work through a structured plan.
Given that there is litigation pending in relation to these matters which is being managed by the State Claims Agency, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
23. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason doxycycline is not the anti-malaria drug of first choice for Defence Forces personnel on overseas missions in sub-Saharan Africa. [3716/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra30. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason malarone is not the anti-malaria drug of first choice for Defence Forces personnel on overseas missions in sub-Saharan Africa. [3727/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 30 together.
There are three anti-malarial drugs that continue to be used by the Defence Forces, namely Mefloquine (Lariam), Malarone and Doxycycline, any one of which may be prescribed as appropriate. The use of anti-malarial drugs is a medical matter to be decided by medical professionals. In the Defence Forces, these are matters for highly qualified medical officers having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
24. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that left their posts in 2019, by rank in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3720/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table shows the number of Permanent Defence Force personnel, broken down by rank, who discharged between 1st January and the 31st December 2019:
|
Rank |
Number Discharged |
|
LT GEN |
0 |
|
MAJ GEN |
2 |
|
BRIG GEN |
2 |
|
COL |
4 |
|
LT COL |
11 |
|
COMDT |
27 |
|
CAPT |
21 |
|
LT |
3 |
|
SGT MAJ |
9 |
|
BQMS |
9 |
|
CS |
28 |
|
CQMS |
15 |
|
SGT |
98 |
|
CPL |
117 |
|
PTE 3* |
347 |
|
Trained total |
693 |
|
|
|
|
PTE 2* |
20 |
|
REC |
150 |
|
APPR |
3 |
|
CADET |
12 |
|
In Training Total |
185 |
|
|
|
|
Total Departures |
878 |
Personnel leave the Defence Forces for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges. A long term average of just over 20% of personnel depart while in training.
The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment to the Defence Forces and to retaining sufficient personnel, to ensure that the Defence Forces can operate effectively across all roles. In this context, the Government's High Level Implementation Plan "Strengthening Our Defence Forces - Phase 1" sets out a range of measures to tackle recruitment and retention issues in the Permanent Defence Force. Implementation of this plan is a priority for civil and military management.
25. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that served overseas on missions during 2019; the number currently serving overseas; the locations in which they are serving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3722/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of members of the Defence Forces that served overseas on missions during 2019 was 1,788.
As of 3rd March 2020, Ireland is contributing 589 Defence Forces personnel to 10 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 354 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 138 personnel.
Details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed below.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas
As of 3rd March 2020
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
9 |
|
UNIFIL 115th Infantry Battalion |
337 |
|
UNIFIL Sector West |
8 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
11 |
|
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
2 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
9 |
|
UNDOF 60th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
129 |
|
MINUSMA (Irish Defence Forces Task Unit) Mali |
13 |
|
Total |
521 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Naval Mission (Op Sophia) OHQ |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
562 |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
6 |
|
EU BATTLE GROUP |
|
|
German Led Battle Group 202-2, FHQ, Stadtallendorf |
10 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTAIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO / PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
589 |
26. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the additional investment made in both personnel and equipment for the Air Corps in 2019; his plans to make further investment in personnel for the Air Corps in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3723/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is currently investing in the replacement of the existing five Cessna aircraft with three larger and more capable fixed wing utility Pilatus PC 12 aircraft. It is expected that the three aircraft will be delivered in 2020. In addition, a tender competition has recently concluded for the replacement of the CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft with two new C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2023.
In terms of personnel a total of 36 personnel were inducted into the Air Corps in 2019 comprised of 18 General Service recruits, 10 Cadets and 8 apprentices. A number of former Air Corps pilots have also been re-commissioned as flying officers. As there is ongoing recruitment for General Service recruits the 2020 recruitment process has already commenced and a competition for the recruitment of Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians is underway. The 2020 Cadet competition will also see the intake of further Air Corps cadets, when launched.
A service commitment scheme for pilots in the Air Corps has also been implemented. This was a measure recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) to improve the retention of flying officers . Other measures recommended by the PSPC, that apply to the Air Corps and broader Defence Forces, are also being implemented.
27. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to make funding available for the refurbishment of the equestrian stables at the Defence Forces Equitation School in McKee Barracks; if a request has been submitted by Defence Forces management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3724/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that there are no major refurbishment projects for the Army Equitation School currently under consideration.
28. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent on maintenance and refurbishment to Cathal Brugha Barracks and McKee Barracks in each of the years 2017 to 2019; if the barracks are due for refurbishment in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3725/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capability to deliver on all of the roles assigned by Government, I am committed to the development and improvement of the physical environment and living conditions in military installations throughout the country. The Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme, is compiled on a priority needs basis by my Department in conjunction with the Military Authorities.
To this end, I can confirm that from 2017 to 2019 €5.4m was spent on Cathal Brugha and €2.3m on McKee Barracks respectively on various maintenance and refurbishment projects/works.
Funding has been approved for expenditure in the region of €3.3m in 2020 across both Barracks on various projects including the ongoing upgrade works of Blocks 1 & 2 in Cathal Brugha and the commencement of significant refurbishment works of Blocks H & F in McKee Barracks.
29. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the 2020 recruitment campaigns for the Naval Service and Air Corps will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3726/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2020 Recruitment Campaigns for both the Naval Service and the Air Corps have already commenced, with the following competitions currently ongoing:
- General Service Recruitment
- Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technician
- Naval Service Direct Entry Engine Room Artificer Technician
- Naval Service Direct Entry Chef
- Naval Service Electrical Artificer
- Naval Service Hull Artificer
- Naval Service Radio/Radar Technician
- Naval Service Direct Entry Officers
It is also anticipated that the upcoming 2020 Cadetships competitions will commence shortly.
31. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Defence Forces as of 12 January 2020 took the belated decision to in future offer an alternative to the anti-malaria drug lariam to members of the Defence Forces operating overseas; and if he plans to act on the unopposed decision of the Dáil Éireann motion of 28 June 2017 to draw up a plan of action to help alleviate and address ongoing concerns. [3728/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical policy in the Defence Forces is kept under constant review to ensure that best practice is adhered to at all times. As I indicated to the Deputy in response to the Private Members' Motion of the 28th June 2017 regarding the anti-malarial drug Lariam, and on other occasions, the use of anti-malarial drugs is a medical matter to be decided by medical professionals. In the Defence Forces, these are matters for highly qualified medical officers having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
There are three anti-malarial drugs, namely Lariam, Malarone and Doxycycline which continue to be used by the Defence Forces. The selection by a Medical Officer of the most appropriate drug for use is a complex one and dependent on a number of factors. Significant precautions are taken by the Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of personnel to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability for all missions, and not just those to sub-Saharan Africa.
The decision on which medication to prescribe will continue to be made by the examining Medical Officer following consultation with the individual during their overseas deployment assessment.
32. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will order a full health screening of all serving and former members of the Defence Forces to assess the effects on their health by the compulsory ingestion of lariam in view of the decision to offer an alternative anti-malaria drug to Defence Forces personnel operating overseas (details supplied). [3729/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of anti-malarial drugs is a medical matter to be decided by medical professionals. In the Defence Forces, these are matters for highly qualified medical officers having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
The selection by a Medical Officer of the most appropriate drug for use is a complex one and dependent on a number of factors. Significant precautions are taken by the Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of personnel to take any of the anti-malarial medications, all of which have contraindications and side effects. I am advised that the Defence Forces Medical Policy on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis (including the use of Lariam) is in line with United Nations and World Health Organisation guidelines.
Defence Forces personnel posted overseas are comprehensively medically assessed in advance of and post-deployment, and are subject to routine medical assessments. Personnel also have access on an ongoing basis to the wide range of medical supports available to the Defence Forces.
34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 12 November 2019, when disability pensions awarded in court to military personnel should be regarded as payment in double (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3805/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I should first explain that disability pensions are awarded by the Minister for Defence under the Army Pensions Acts 1923 to 1980 (as amended) rather than the Courts, as indicated in the Deputy’s question.
The Army Pensions Acts provide for the grant of pensions and gratuities to former members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in respect of permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service (whether at home or abroad) or due to disease attributable to or aggravated by overseas service with the United Nations. Section 13(2) of the Army Pensions Act 1923, as amended, provides that any alternative compensation received for the same injury or medical condition for which an award is being made under the Army Pensions Acts, may be taken into consideration in fixing the level of disability pension or gratuity that might otherwise be awarded under the Army Pensions Acts. All aspects of each such case, including, in particular, representations made by, or on behalf of, the individual, are fully considered and a bona fide decision is made in each individual case. The statutory provisions in question relate to members of the PDF only.
The Courts have held previously that the function of the Minister (for Defence) under Section 13(2) is to take the compensation into consideration and to make a bona fide individual decision on the merits of each case. The Courts have also held that the Minister (for Defence) may take into consideration that part of the damages which can properly be regarded as general damages or that part which can properly be regarded as referable to loss of earnings, or both these parts, as he considers proper. Alternatively, the Minister, having regard to the circumstances of the case, may decide to take none of the compensation into account.
I am satisfied that the relevant statutory provisions of the Army Pensions Acts were correctly applied in the case referred to in Parliamentary Question number 87 of 12 November 2019.
35. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of engagement between his Department and the Department of Education and Skills on the site selection process for a new school build (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3909/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of schools and associated issues is, in the first instance, a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills.
The lands in the area of the Defence Forces Training Centre form part of the Curragh Plains, a site unique in terms of its archaeological, environmental, historical and cultural heritage.
As custodian of the Curragh Plains, my Department is very aware of the competing challenges faced in relation to conservation of the land and requests for portions of the land to be made available for various reasons and particularly the demographic pressures on schools in the Kildare area.
The Department of Education and Skills wrote to my Department enquiring as to the availability of a suitable site for the provision of a post-primary school from within the Department's property portfolio in South Kildare.
As the Curragh contains an operational military installation, officials from my Department recently received a very detailed report from the military authorities on the wide-ranging implications of the request, and I am advised that my officials are currently considering the response received.
36. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a matter regarding a holiday visa for a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2601/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Working Holiday Agreement between Ireland and the United States allows Irish and US citizens to work and travel in each others' country for up to 12 months. Citizens of the United States may avail of the programme on more than one occasion as long as they meet all of the requirements each time.
However, applicants may not apply for a second or subsequent WHA programme for at least one year after the date of expiry of their previous WHA. Furthermore, applicants seeking to apply to the programme for a second or subsequent time must have abided by the terms of their previous WHA(s) and must have left Ireland before expiry of their previous WHA(s). Further information is available on www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/usa/our-services/visas/working-holiday-authorisation/.
US citizens do not need a visa to come to Ireland for tourism or similar reasons. However, other immigration procedures apply. Further details are available on www.inis.gov.ie.
37. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the names of the observers appointed to the most recent election observer roster will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2691/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade administers and maintains a roster of suitably skilled individuals who are available to deploy on international election observation missions organised, in the main, by the European Union (EU) and the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE-ODIHR).
A new roster was put in place in January 2019. Throughout 2019 the persons shortlisted to that roster underwent training and security vetting. Subject to pending clarification of the Department's obligations under the EU General Data Protection Regulation GDPR., it is my intention that the list of names of members of the new roster will be attached to the public record.
38. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the instances since 2009 to date in 2020 in which consideration was given to a request by an Irish citizen to accept a title of nobility or honour in accordance with Article 40.2.2 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, by date of consideration, name of requestor, title or honour concerned and the decision by the Government to approve or not to approve in tabular form; the legislative instrument which ensures the practical application of Article 40.2.2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2709/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reference in Article 40.2.2 of the Constitution to "title of nobility or of honour" has been interpreted, in accordance with advice from the Attorney General, as referring to honours conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign State in question, to use prefixes to their names such as “Sir”, “Dame”, “Lord” or "Marquis”.
It is these types of award which are brought to the attention of Government. The table below lists instances in the period under review where the Government considered such awards. The recipients of the awards in each instance are dual Irish-British citizens.
On the other hand, awards which provide for the use of letters or marks of distinction after one's name; medals; ribbons; or academic honours are not regarded as conferring a title of nobility or of honour in this context.
In relation to the first six instances and the ninth instance summarised in the table below, the prior approval of the Government was sought and secured before acceptance of the title of nobility or honour by the Irish citizen concerned.
In relation to the seventh and eighth instances summarised below, the honours in question were extended to the Irish citizens concerned in 2014 before the conferral was brought to the attention of the Government in 2015. As no facility exists for retrospective approval, the Government took note of the granting of the awards and their acceptance by the Irish citizens concerned. My Department regularly informs the authorities of countries concerned that the prior approval of the Government should be sought in instances where substantive awards are to be conferred on an Irish citizen.
It is noted that rights, privileges or dignities deriving from the award of a title of nobility or honour subsist solely within the jurisdiction conferring it and any other jurisdiction that may recognise rights, privileges or dignities as flowing from it. Under Irish law such a title has no significance in terms of conferring rights, entitlements or dignities.
|
Date of Consideration by the Government |
Country Conferring the Award |
Title of Award |
Government Decision |
|
07/05/2013 |
UK |
Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) |
Approved |
|
30/12/2013 |
UK |
Damehood (Commander of the Order) |
Approved |
|
10/06/2014 |
UK |
Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) |
Approved |
|
10/06/2014 |
UK |
Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) |
Approved |
|
09/06/2015 |
UK |
Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) |
Approved |
|
03/11/2015 |
Grenada |
Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation |
Approved |
|
03/11/2015 |
Antigua and Barbuda |
Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation |
Noted |
|
03/11/2015 |
Antigua and Barbuda |
Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation |
Noted |
|
17/05/2016 |
UK |
Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) |
Approved |
39. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent peace plan announcement for the Middle East put forward by the administration of the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2715/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have already commented publicly on the US Middle East plan. My statement following the release of the plan on 28 January was as follows:
"The US initiative on the Middle East Peace Process has just been announced. I have engaged very actively with the US Middle East team over the past three years. I have made clear that Ireland would be willing to support any peace initiative that respected the international parameters for a two-state solution and UN Security Council resolutions, and provided a basis to meet the aspirations of both peoples. We need to see the details and assess the full implications of the US initiative, but from what I have heard so far, the proposed plan does not meet this threshold. A successful resolution of the conflict can only be reached if both parties are included on an equal basis and can work together for an agreed outcome. No solution can be imposed and no unilateral moves should take place.I am deeply concerned by the comments made by PM Netanyahu today regarding extending Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and over settlements across the West Bank.
Let me be clear - annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law, including by the UN Charter. Such an action would be a decisive step away from the Oslo Accords, which both parties signed, and which Ireland has worked tirelessly to support for over 25 years. It would also be a decisive step away from the commitment to an agreed solution between the parties; a solution which could be backed and supported by the international community as a whole.
We will study the plan in more detail but our initial response is one of grave concern that it fails to achieve the balance and equality of esteem necessary to gain the support of both sides to the conflict and the international community.
I intend to remain in close contact with the parties, the countries of the region, with our EU partners and with the US."
In the weeks since the announcement of the US plan, my EU colleagues and I have continued to stress that any solution will require the agreement of both parties, and that no unilateral actions should take place. I welcomed the statement by the EU High Representative on 4 February, which recalled the EU’s commitment a negotiated two-State solution, based on 1967 lines; called on both sides to re-engage and to refrain from any unilateral actions contrary to international law that could exacerbate tensions; and made clear that steps towards annexation, if implemented, could not pass unchallenged.
Ireland’s longstanding support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains an integral aspect of our foreign policy, which I will continue to prioritise.
40. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the ongoing outstanding requests with the UK Government regarding inquiries into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2872/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra17 May last marked the 45th anniversary of the appalling attacks of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in which 33 people were murdered. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan TD, represented the Government at the remembrance ceremony in Dublin.
The Government stands in solidarity with all those who lost loved ones or were injured on that day, and who suffer still as a result of these bombings.
The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings is a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government.
These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions. We have consistently raised the issue with the British Government on a bilateral basis, including at the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference, most recently on 8 May 2019.
I and Minister Flanagan have made clear to our counterparts that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government, and that there remains an urgent need for a response.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on this request, at senior political level and in official level engagement by my Department, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House and until a resolution is found.
The Government maintains a close and cooperative relationship with Justice for the Forgotten, as we continue work to seek the full facts of the appalling events of 17 May 1974 and of other attacks in this jurisdiction during the Troubles.
The Government has noted the announcement by the PSNI on 30 November that former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher will head an Independent Police Team to conduct an analytical report on the Glenanne Gang series of cases. This is welcome.
The Government is conscious that this work by Chief Constable Boutcher is very relevant to a number of cases of the utmost concern for victims’ families and survivors, both North and South, who suffered in the murderous attacks by the so-called Glenanne Gang. This includes the Hillcrest Bar bombing, and the Miami Showband attack, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and also, of course, the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
It is to be hoped that the report being conducted by Chief Constable Boutcher will contribute to the long process of justice, truth and acknowledgement of what happened in these awful cases, where collusion is a feature.
Chief Constable Boutcher will be conducting a police investigation, and as such will be in a position to seek the cooperation of the Gardaí through the framework of Mutual Legal Assistance, which underpins the excellent cooperation that exists between the Gardaí and the PSNI more broadly.
The Government will be supportive of facilitating this investigation, subject to the requirements of the law, as we have other investigative processes in Northern Ireland, in relation to the attacks conducted by Glenanne Gang and of course other cases from the Troubles.
In any scenario, we will continue to engage with the British Government, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House, until a satisfactory resolution is found.
41. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts he has made to encourage dialogue to resolve the political impasse in Catalonia; the intervention he has made to secure the release of elected representatives currently held in custody in Spain as a result of the referendum on independence organised by the Catalan Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2922/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department follows developments in Spain closely and I am aware of the legal cases to which the question refers.
I maintain contacts with my Spanish counterparts on a range of issues, including the situation in Catalonia.
The question of Catalan independence remains a deeply divisive and contentious issue in Catalonia and in the rest of Spain. I understand a process of dialogue recently commenced and that this is intended to last some time, with a variety actors appointed to discuss various issues of concern.
The constitutional and political arrangements in Spain are matters to be determined by their own citizens, through their own democratic processes and institutions, in keeping with the rule of law. We respect the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.
