asked the Minister for Justice in view of the disturbing reports that protection racketeering is on the increase particularly in Dublin and the recent comments of the President of the Circuit Court in relation to the inadequacy of the existing law, which dates back to 1875, with regard to the maximum sentences provided for, if he will outline the proposals, if any, he has to deal with this problem; if it is his intention to up-to-date the law in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Protection Racketeering.
44.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have no evidence to suggest that protection racketeering in on the increase and that they are satisfied that the law is adequate to deal with offences of this nature when they occur.
In so far as any updating of the law in this area might be required, the position is that the Law Reform Commission were asked, as part of their present work programme, to examine and report on whether there is a need to revise or update the law relating to various offences which are still mainly governed by pre-1922 legislation, including in particular the laws relating to dishonesty, malicous damage and offences against the person. The offences of demanding money with menaces and intimidation would come within the scope of this examination.