asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of an incursion by the British Army into Drumboab, County Monaghan, on 10 January 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The only reports available to me of an incursion in the area mentioned by the Deputy referred to an incursion on 11 January. Sufficient information has not been received to date to enable me to have an approach made to the British authorities about the matter.

When the British Army came across it caused a lot of concern to local people. Will the Minister make representations to the British Government about this? I believe they were a half a mile across the Border. It is unacceptable for them to cross the Border at all but to come that distance caused a lot of anxiety for local people.

I understand that. A report was made about this incursion but when the Garda went to take statements from the people who made the report they were unwilling to give them. I have no information on which to make representations.

Would the Minister not consider it important to draw the attention of the British Government to the fact that this incident occurred?

I would be willing to do that if it had been reported. The problem is two people said they saw such an incursion but when asked to give a statement to that effect they were unwilling to do so. I have nothing to go on to justify making a protest.