HC Deb 26 May 1989 vol 153 cc790-1W
Mr. McCusker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times authorisation has been given by the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary to police officers from the Irish Republic to carry firearms in Northern Ireland during each of the past six years.

Mr. Ian Stewart

I understand from the Chief Constable that no such authorisation has been given.

Mr. McCusker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether authorisation for members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary to carry firearms in the Republic of Ireland has been sought from the appropriate authority in the Irish Republic when members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary have been visiting the Republic for the purpose of discussing anti-terrorist co-operation with their counterparts in the Irish police; and on how many occasions this has been refused.

Mr. Ian Stewart

I am not aware that any such authorisations have been sought.