Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2013
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which new initiatives may be taken to deal with the existence of organised criminal, or paramilitary gangs, in line with constitutional and international law commitments or requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6224/13]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that countering the threat posed by organised criminal groups and terrorist groups remains a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána. In counteracting these groups and their activities An Garda Síochána undertake a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle their activities. In doing so, An Garda Síochána co-operate seamlessly with their counterparts in Northern Ireland. The Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable of Northern Ireland have repeatedly emphasised to me that the close, high quality co-operation between their forces has been instrumental in preventing attacks, combating criminality and saving lives. The two police forces operate a joint Cross Border Policing Strategy that includes initiatives on intelligence-sharing and security to enhance co-ordinated efforts to combat the threat from such groups.
At the broader international level, An Garda Síochána actively contribute to international law enforcement efforts in tackling serious cross border criminality through, for example, initiatives co-ordinated by Europol and Interpol. Ireland also participates very constructively in the negotiation of initiatives and legislative instruments at European level to strengthen police and judicial cooperation, and continues to promote European advancements in this area under its Presidency.
I can also assure the House that I am committed to ensuring that the necessary legislative provisions are in place to give effect to our international commitments in this area and to support the operational actions of An Garda Síochána. By way of example, I am currently preparing an amendment to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 which will provide for the transposition into Irish law of EU and Council of Europe instruments on combating terrorism. The new Bill will create the three new offences of public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism. The new Bill will supplement the State’s existing strong body of counter terrorism law.
Finally, as previously indicated to the House, I am also keeping under review the legislative framework underpinning the State's response to organised crime, including the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, to see whether any further improvements could be made in this area.
