Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 5

Written Answers. - Review of Legislation.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

14 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to receive the final report of the committee to review the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, 1998; if it is intended to implement the recommendations of the interim report regarding the Special Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32097/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

As the Deputy will be aware, in May 1999 the committee to review the Offences against the State Acts, 1939 to 1998, was established under the chairmanship of the Honourable Mr. Justice Anthony J. Hederman. It was requested to examine all aspects of the Offences against the State Acts, 1939 to 1998, taking into account the view of the participants to the multi-party negotiations that the development of a peaceful environment on the basis of the agreement reached on 10 April 1998 can and should mean a normalisation of security arrangements and practices; the threat posed by international terrorism and organised crime; and Ireland's obligations under international law. The committee was asked to report as soon as practicable.

In June of this year the committee issued an interim report which dealt with the Special Criminal Court and was made to assist the Government in responding to a view of the United Nations Human Rights Committee on the mechanism for the referral of cases to the Special Criminal Court. The issues raised in the interim report con cerning the future of the Special Criminal Court will be examined in the context of the consideration of the final report of the committee. I am advised that the final report of the committee is expected to be completed very shortly.