asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Irish Government made any representations to Lord Colville, the British barrister, who is carrying out a review of the Emergency Powers Act in the United Kingdom; if so, if he will give details of those recommendations; and whether they would be incorporated into the law.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Emergency Powers Act Review.
19.
Before answering the question I would like to say that I take it the Deputy is referring to the legislation entitled the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Acts, 1978 and 1987. As the Deputy will see from the title, it applies only to Northern Ireland.
The Government avail of every opportunity to convey their views on the substance and the operation of this Act, and this would include informing Lord Colville of these views. The matter was also discussed at the last meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference on 8 February in the context of improving relations between the Community and the security forces, particularly in relation to the handling of complaints and police accompaniment of UDR and army patrols likely to come into contact with members of the public. In accordance with normal practice, I do not intend to go into the detail of these discussions. I can say, however, that among other aspects of the legislation, the Government expressed views on the method for certifying charges for trial by the Diplock Courts, the range of scheduled offences, statutory protection for persons in custody, the rules on confession evidence and the exercise of the powers of entry and search.
The content of any legislation which might follow this Act which is due to expire in 1992 is a matter for the British Government and Parliament. As I have said, the British Government are aware of our strong views on the matter.