§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Prime Minister on what dates since taking office the President of the Irish Republic made visits to Northern Ireland for which facilities were made available by Her Majesty's Government; which of those visits were(a) private and (b) official; what period of notice was given to Her Majesty's Government for each private visit; when invitations were issued by Her Majesty's Government in respect of official visits; what arrangements were made for Her Majesty's Government (i) to be informed of and (ii) to approve the itinerary of each visit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Prime Minister[holding answer 22 June 1993]: President Robinson has made private visits to Northern Ireland on 16 December 1990, 2 February 1992, 22 May 1992, 6 and 7 September 1992 and 18 and 19 June 1993. The usual courtesies for a visiting Head of State have been extended to the President on each occasion and Northern Ireland Office officials have been present at all venues, apart from Whiterock college of education on 18 June 1993. The period of notice given for the visits was three days, two months, 10 days, 10 days and three weeks respectively, but, in respect of the latest visit, particulars of those participating in the West Belfast item, and of its venue, were made known only three days before the visit.
No invitations have been extended by Her Majesty's Government apart from that to a reception given by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 2 February 1992. For each visit, Irish Government officials informed HMG of the proposed itinerary, which does not require HMG's approval.