25 Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the British authorities the urgent need to re-open Border crossings which remain closed. [25682/99]

The Government is of the view that all Border crossings should be re-opened as soon as possible. This is a matter to which I attach considerable importance, and I have had it raised on numerous occasions with the British authorities in the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. I understand that at present two Border crossings remain closed. I will continue to pursue this question with the British with a view to having the bridges rebuilt and the roads re-opened at an early date.