Vol. 532 No. 1
302 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in publishing the report of the committee reviewing the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, under the chairmanship of a former Supreme Court Judge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6645/01]
Shortly after the Government decided in 1998 to establish the committee to review the Offences Against the State Acts, the atrocity at Omagh took place. Subsequently, as the Deputy will be aware, the Oireachtas enacted the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998. This led to an extension of the remit of the committee, to cover the 1998 Act, and an amendment of its terms of reference, requesting it to report as soon as practicable.
The subject matter of the review is extensive and complex, and of compelling public importance, covering as it does legislation which has been central to the response by the State to terrorism and subversion. I do not believe that the time so far taken by the committee could be characterised as a delay in this context. It is far more important that the review be carried out thoroughly and comprehensively, rather than that it be done quickly. In any event, I understand that the committee expects to finalise its report and submit it to me within a relatively short time.
