Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Is the Taoiseach aware that over the past fortnight 50 nationalists were visited by the PSNI and advised that their names and personal details are on files now in the hands of unionist paramilitaries? Is he aware that this follows the removal of a dossier 16 months ago from a section of the PSNI complex in Castlereagh which contained the names and personal details of 400 nationalists? Is he aware that the Sinn Féin President, Mr. Gerry Adams, was one of those visited and advised that his life is in danger? Is he aware that, despite the denials by the PSNI at the time and since, 28 members of the Royal Irish Regiment were removed from their duties in Castlereagh and redeployed to other duties as a result of the documents being taken?

Did the Taoiseach raise any of these matters with the British Prime Minister at the meeting of 11 October? If not, and if it was the case that the full information was not available at the time, will he advise the House that he will address this matter with the British Prime Minister when the opportunity next presents itself? Given that the information released referred to 400 citizens, does he believe each of them should be advised immediately of the situation now applying to their personal security? Will he establish if all of these people are domiciled north of the Border or are any of them living in this jurisdiction?

What further action does he propose to take in regard to such outstanding examples of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and elements within the broad police service within the North of Ireland that still maintains from its days as the RUC? This matter needs to be taken on board. Will the Taoiseach reflect that there was a period of more than 15 months of denial that this information had fallen into the hands of unionist paramilitaries yet, over that same period, the UDA issued statement after statement confirming that it had the information in its possession? There are real questions to be answered here. What chance has the Taoiseach had to discuss the issue with the British Prime Minister and what further action does he propose to take on the matter?

A Cheann Chomhairle, I would appreciate if you would accord me the opportunity to ask a further question later.

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