Written question asked by Mike Gapes (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 May 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 May 2001 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, If he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mrs. Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland. [159622] Mr. Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland. [159626] Mr. Ingram: The Government believe on balance that the main cease-fires are holding. There remains however, a threat from Republican dissidents who are opposed to the Good Friday Agreement as evidenced by recent attacks on the railway network in Northern Ireland and the discovery of a Mark 15 barrack buster bomb near Omagh. The security forces are conscious of the threat posed by these groups, and continue to take steps to thwart their attacks.

Secondary information