HC Deb 20 December 2000 vol 360 cc343-4
1. Mr. Jeffrey Donaldson (Lagan Valley)

Which terrorist organisation was responsible for planting the booby-trap bomb at Lisnarick in County Fermanagh on 27 November; and if he will make a statement. [141751]

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Adam Ingram)

The Royal Ulster Constabulary assesses that the attack at Lisnarick, County Fermanagh on 27 November 2000 was carried out by dissident republicans.

Mr. Donaldson

I thank the Minister for his answer. He will be aware of the case of Joe Fee, who has been identified as a leader of Continuity IRA. He was employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin as a consultant working alongside aid agencies in Croatia, and is alleged to have been involved in gun-running activities. What representations has the Northern Ireland Office made to the Department of Foreign Affairs on this matter and on the allegations of collusion involving retired Sergeant Eoin Corrigan of the Garda, which I understand are currently being investigated?

Mr. Ingram

The question raised by the hon. Gentleman is a matter for the Irish Government. I understand, however, that investigations by the Garda into arms importation from Croatia are continuing. Clearly, there will be close co-operation, and discussions between the Garda Siochana and the RUC will continue. We cannot comment on current investigations. Furthermore, it would not be appropriate to comment on an individual who has not been convicted of any offence.

Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby)

Can the Minister explain how the Government distinguish between dissident republicans and IRA-Sinn Fein, whose representatives sit in the Northern Ireland Assembly? What links are there between Messrs McGuinness and Adams and dissident republicans, and what assessment has the Minister made of the links that members of the IRA army council have with so-called dissident republicans and the Continuity and Real IRA?

Mr. Ingram

The difference is that we judge one group to be on ceasefire, while dissident groups are not. Those dissident groups have carried out some of the attacks in recent months; and I pay tribute to the RUC and to the Garda Siochana for the way in which they have resolutely tackled those groups and have been able to stop their worst attempts to commit atrocities.