Peter Barry
Question:20 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice if he has made any representations to the Libyan authorities in regard to their indication that they would reveal details of arms supplied to the IRA.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illegal Importation of Arms.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:57 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda investigation into the importation of arms from Libya on behalf of the Provisional IRA in the vessel Eksund and other earlier shipments is now concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 57 together. The Garda investigations into illegal importations of arms on behalf of the Provisional IRA are continuing.
With regard to Deputy Barry's question, the position is that media sources reported last year that the Libyan Government had conveyed proposals to the British Government, including a proposal to provide details of arms shipments to the Provisional IRA. As a result of these reports, I made inquiries of the British authorities. I was informed that, while numerous messages had been received from Libya to the effect that they were willing to provide information in relation to the Provisional IRA, nothing positive has developed on foot of these communications.
It is widely believed that the Libyan Government have supplied arms to the IRA on many occasions. As a result of his own inquiries, has the Minister any indication of the number of times this happened? Has this information implications for our trade with Libya?
On the question of trade with Libya, may I suggest the Deputy address his question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
However, on the question of the armaments I have given the Garda Síochána my full and active support in the task that confronts them. The Garda Síochána, on occasion accompanied by members of the Defence Forces, carry out regular searches for arms and ammunition that may be hidden throughout the country. Since 1 January 1989, almost 400 firearms, 100,000 rounds of ammunition and 5,500 lbs of explosives were seized by the Garda Síochána in the course of searches. Each find, no matter how small, is important in itself and the Garda are committed to maintaining the momentum of the searches.
These weapons and munitions are intended to cause death and injury as part of the continuing murderous campaign of the Provisional IRA. The Garda have to be congratulated on the good work they are carrying out. The Deputy can be assured that as far as I am personally concerned, everything that I and the Garda Síochána can do to defeat these murderous thugs will be done.
Given that the Irish Government are actively engaged in trade talks with Libya on the meat industry can the Minister assure the House that the Government will seek a commitment from Libya, as a condition of the on-going relationship between the two countries, that Libya will never again assist in the delivery of arms to the IRA or to any other illegal organisation in this country? Second, in regard to the on-going Garda Síochána investigations, is it anticipated that further trials in relation to the importation of illegal arms on the Eksund will come before our courts? In particular, will the accused who has recently returned to Ireland from prison in France stand trail in Ireland? Will the Minister indicate the extent of weapons that remain to be recovered from the shipments of weapons to this country from Libya?
We are having an extension of the subject matter of this question.
This relates to Question No. 57.
I draw the Deputy's attention to the response in the House of the Minister for Foreign Affairs who was questioned on 7 November about what assurances had been sought from the Libyan Government on ending arms supplies and renouncing support for the Provisional IRA. The Minister outlined the details of bilateral meetings he had with the Libyan Foreign Minister in Brussels on 4 November when he spelled out the grave concern of the Government on the issue of Libyan support for the IRA and asked for assurances that Libya had renounced such support. The Libyan Foreign Minister responded to the effect that Libya does not recognise, does not and will not deal with the IRA; that Libya does not supply the IRA with arms or money, does not develop contacts and has no relations with the IRA. The Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomed these assurances on behalf of the Irish Government and we expect the Libyan authorities to adhere scrupulously to them.
On the question of the munitions and material still available since the importations in 1985 and 1986, I am not in a position to give the Deputy the full details. It is for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide whether to prosecute in the case mentioned by the Deputy.
During a recent all party delegation to Egypt, I and other Members took the opportunity to raise this matter with senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Interior. They were very pleased to indicate clearly that they would co-operate fully with our Department of Foreign Affairs and Justice in any way possible. Will the Minister, in consultation with his colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, take up that opportunity?
Yes, certainly. I know there have been on-going discussions on this question and the Egyptian authorities have offered to help which we appreciate. Indeed, we appreciate any offer of help at home or abroad. Let me take this opportunity to encourage those who have any information on Provisional IRA activities, or on any specific atrocity, to use the new confidential telephone line that is now in operation and give whatever information they have to the Garda authorities so that we can defeat the scourge of the Provisional IRA.
I can assure the House that the Government are totally committed to that battle and as Minister for Justice I have spent the past two and a half years tirelessly pursuing them.