Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times the national primary road, known as a concession road, between Clones and Cavan has been closed for security reasons during the past 12 months; the length of time it has been closed on each occasion; the contact made between him and his opposite number in Northern Ireland-UK in order that he can make a joint approach to deal with those responsible and minimise the inconvenience caused; the position in relation to the same issue regarding the national primary road from Clones through Northern Ireland and Enniskillen to Donegal in view of the fact that this road has also been closed for similar reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14788/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the closure of the roads in question arose in the context of security operations and, as it is not the policy of An Garda Síochána to disclose security information, I am not in a position to give further information to the Deputy on the details surrounding closures. I can say, however, that close co-operation exists at all levels between An Garda Síochána and its counterparts in Northern Ireland in the context of countering and investigating the activities of groups which pose a security threat.

I have also discussed security matters with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Minister of State for Northern Ireland on a number of occasions in recent months, and I met most recently with the Secretary of State in the immediate aftermath of the fatal terrorist attacks in Antrim and Craigavon. The two Governments are united in our absolute determination to combat the continuing threat posed by dissident republican groups.