Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is acceptable, in the context of the Good Friday Agreement, that the half-mile ferry crossing from Greencastle, County Donegal, to Magilligan, County Derry, is classed as an international crossing; his views regarding the fact that users of this ferry are subjected to greater scrutiny that those who cross the Border by road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42385/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The progress made under the Good Friday Agreement has been underpinned by the strengthening of economic and transport ties between the two jurisdictions. The opening in 2002 of the ferry connection between Greencastle and Magilligan Point was an important demonstration of the expanding nature of these links and of the Government's commitment to the North West.

I am aware that in the recent past considerable concern has been expressed at the introduction of increased security checks at this crossing. I have instructed that these concerns be raised with the British authorities, including through the British Irish Joint Secretariat in Belfast, and my officials have also been in contact with Limavady Borough Council which has responsibility for carrying out the security checks. We have stressed in all these contacts our wish to facilitate traffic on the ferry with the least possible disruption.

The current position is that, on the Magilligan side, responsibility for security rests with the British Department of Transport. The Department of Transport in this jurisdiction is in contact with their British counterparts with a view to streamlining the arrangements in place, and to minimise inconvenience. My Department continues to monitor the situation closely, and to seek a satisfactory resolution to the difficulties which have arisen.