Discoveries of weapons  

9. Mr John Home Robertson (East Lothian) To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on recent discoveries of weapons, explosives and related materials connected with terrorist organisations.

An Taoiseach: Since the beginning of the year, the Garda Siochana have made a number of very significant discoveries of explosives and weapons linked to republican paramilitaries. I am thinking of the finds at Howth, Co. Dublin on 8 January, Redhills, Co. Cavan on 23 February, Hackballscross, Co. Louth on 2 March, Mullagh, Co. Cavan on 10 March and Castletown, Dundalk on 21 March.

Naturally, I welcome these developments. There is no doubt that the devices in question were almost ready for use to cause carnage destruction in towns and villages in Northern Ireland. I congratulate the Gardaí on their work. The importance of their success in this area cannot be underestimated.

These arms finds are a chilling reminder that there are those out there who are intent on wrecking the prospects for peace. We cannot let them succeed.