Vol. 521 No. 2
150 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of proceedings where inferences were drawn as a result of the failure of an accused person to answer questions material to the investigation of an offence in respect of section 2 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998. [16946/00]
151 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of proceedings taken under section 4 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998; and the number of convictions secured. [16947/00]
152 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of proceedings where inferences were drawn as a result of the failure of an accused person to mention particular facts in respect of section 5 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998. [16948/00]
153 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of proceedings taken under section 6 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, relating to directing an unlawful organisation; and the number of convictions secured. [16949/00]
154 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of proceedings taken under section 7 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, relating to possession of articles for purposes connected with certain offences; and the number of convictions secured. [16950/00]
155 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of proceedings taken under section 8 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, relating to unlawful collection of information; and the number of convictions secured. [16952/00]
156 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of proceedings taken under section 9 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, relating to the withholding of information; and the number of convictions secured. [16953/00]
157 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions on which a period of detention was extended under section 10 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998; the number of persons in respect of whom extension orders were made; and the number of persons in respect of whom extension orders were made, who were charged and convicted of an offence. [16954/00]
158 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions on which persons were re-arrested under section 11 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, and in respect of those re-arrested, the number, who were charged and convicted of an offence. [16955/00]
159 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of proceedings taken under section 12 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998, relating to the training of persons in the making or use of firearms/explosives; and the number of convictions secured in this regard. [16956/00]
160 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions on which property has been forfeited under section 17 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998; and the value of the property forfeited in each such case. [16957/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 to 160, inclusive, together.
While no court proceedings utilising sections 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 12 of the Act have yet arisen, the provisions in question have been utilised where appropriate by the gardaí during the investigation of offences. Many of the investigations at issue are, of their nature, ongoing.
The number of occasions on which a period of detention was extended under section 10 was 29. Each such detention would be in respect of one person. No persons in respect of whom extension orders were made have yet been charged and convicted of an offence, but a number of files have been submitted to the law officers for directions. No persons were re-arrested under section 11 of the Act. No orders have yet been made utilising section 17 of the Act, although it is possible that the section will be invoked in relation to cases before the courts at present.
