Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2015
140. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who were charged with being a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army or assisting that organisation for the years 2012 to 2014 and to date in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33817/15]
View answerIt is an offence to be a member of an unlawful organisation as provided for by section 21 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939. It is also an offence to knowingly render assistance to an unlawful organisation as provided for by section 49 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005.
There are in place two Suppression Orders for unlawful organisations made by the Government, one of which was made in 1939 and is in respect of the organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (also the IRA and Óglaigh na hÉireann). Charges in respect of these offences are stated in the terms of the organisation as identified in the Suppression Order rather than in the terms of any labels such as 'Provisional' and, accordingly, charges do not distinguish between various manifestations of the IRA.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of persons charged before the Special Criminal Court with IRA membership during the period referred to by the Deputy is as follows.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2015 (as of 30 September) |
10 |
|
2014 |
13 |
|
2013 |
25 |
|
2012 |
12 |
