asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received signatures in support of opening the Border road approaching Pettigo, County Donegal; and if he will make renewed efforts to accede to this request.

The Minister has received the signatures to which the Deputy refers. He is aware that the continued closure of cross-Border roads causes hardship and inconvenience to local people. He would be most anxious that these roads—and he appreciates that there are several in the Pettigo area—should be reopened by the British as soon as security and other considerations allow. The British authorities are already aware of his views on this and it was among the points which the Minister for Foreign Affairs raised in London yesterday with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who has undertaken to look into the matter.

I should like to correct the question in that it apparently refers to one road. This is not so. In reply to an earlier question of mine on this subject the Minister said that he had not received any complaints. I take it he is now fully satisfied as a result of the many hundreds of signatures he has received that there are adequate complaints to justify speedy action.

Yes. The Minister is aware of the concern of the Deputy and of the people and it may be taken that the matter is being treated with the utmost urgency.