Enda Kenny
Question:162 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice his views on whether the Official IRA is still in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Official IRA.
Enda Kenny
Question:163 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he will elaborate on his statement to Dáil Éireann on 16 October 1991 arising from a recent British television programme, that The Workers' Party are funded in part by the Official IRA; and his views on the appropriate action which should be taken in this regard.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the so-called "Official" IRA still exists.
With regard to the allegations contained in a recent British television programme, the position, as I have already stated in this House, is that a number of extremely serious allegations were made on the programme in question and that these have not been answered. Since I made my statement, of course, there have been further media allegations.
As to the appropriate action to be taken, the position is that the IRA is an illegal organisation which continues to be the subject of ongoing attention by the gardaí. It would not be appropriate for me, in the circumstances, to say anything further in relation to specific allegations concerning that organisation or its alleged connections which would go beyond what has already become the subject of public comment through the media.