50 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has undertaken a study of the implications for Irish people living in the United Kingdom of the new anti-terrorist legislation there, having particular regard to the most recent concerns expressed by civil liberty groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3734/02]

I understand the Deputy is referring to the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act, 2001, which became law in December last year. The Act contains a wide range of measures which the British Government considers necessary in the light of the terrorist attacks of 11 September. The measures include the power to seize assets, to detain under the Immigration Act, 1971, and to search and fingerprint terrorist suspects. A significant proportion of the concerns expressed by civil liberties groups and others have been directed at the additional powers of detention which the Bill will give the Home Secretary in certain cases. Prior to the introduction of the Act, persons awaiting deportation under the Immigration Act, 1971, could be detained only if it were possible to deport them within a reasonable period of time. The new legislation allows the detention of persons awaiting deportation provided certain specific conditions are met. However, I am satisfied that these conditions are such that the new detention powers will not affect Irish persons living in the United Kingdom.