§ Mr. McMasterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many separate occasions representations have been made to the Government of the Republic of Ireland arising from attacks made across the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland on citizens of the United Kingdom, members of Her Majesty's forces and property within the United Kingdom; what replies have been received; how many persons suspected of being responsible have been arrested and charged; and how many convictions have been obtained.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleSince 9th August 1971, representations have been made to22W the Government of the Republic of Ireland on numerous occasions about I.R.A. activity in general, and about such activity on or near the Border. Details were given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) on 3rd March. The Irish Government, who have been given by us full details, including specially prepared maps, of I.R.A. units based in the Republic and operating across the Border, have undertaken to have the material carefully studied.
Details of persons in custody in Northern Ireland charged in connection with cross-Border incidents are a matter for the Northern Ireland Government—[Vol. 832, c. 200.]
§ Mr. McMasterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, following the representations made by Her Majesty's Government, what evidence has been presented to him of positive steps taken by the Government of the Republic of Ireland to prevent the planning and execution of attacks upon United Kingdom citizens and property across the Northern Ireland border, and the recruiting, training and collection of funds within the Republic in furtherance of such acts.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleAction against the I.R.A. within the Republic of Ireland is a matter for the Government of the Republic. We have over a considerable period requested their co-operation in preventing I.R.A. terrorists from using the Republic as a safe haven. My hon. Friend will also be aware of the statement by Mr. O'Malley, the Minister of Justice in the Irish Republic, at the Fianna Fail Convention on 20th February, in which he envisaged a more robust attitude against I.R.A. offenders. While it is too early to know whether this will be translated into effective action, a number of individuals are, we understand, currently facing charges arising out of their activities as members of the I.R.A.