Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
84. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the progress made to date by him and his Department in considering the most recent report of the Independent Reporting Commission in relation to paramilitary activity, and the means by which it might be reduced and eliminated; when it is hoped to action the recommendations in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17284/23]
View answerTo facilitate monitoring of the implementation of measures aimed at ending paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland, the Fresh Start Agreement provided for the establishment by the Irish and UK Governments of the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC). An international agreement between Ireland and the UK establishing the IRC was signed in Dublin on 13 September 2016 and it was given effect to by legislation in both jurisdictions.
The Commission submitted its first Report to the two Governments in 2018 and its most recent report on 7 December, 2022. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have welcomed the reports.
In its most recent report the IRC have not altered their view that the risks posed to society by the continuing existence of paramilitary groups and structures mean that paramilitarism remains a clear and present danger in Northern Ireland. However, the IRC also report that as a result of Fresh Start, there are now a whole range of actions and initiatives in place that did not exist before and that these are now beginning to have real effect on the ground. There is, however, still work to be done.
The IRC reiterates its view from its previous Reports that the Twin Track Approach remains the key to tackling paramilitarism. This involves progress both through the policing and criminal justice response, and a response to the wider socio-economic factors that exist in the communities where paramilitaries continue to operate. Coupled with this is an intensification of consideration of an additional dimension, namely the undertaking of a process of engagement with the paramilitary groups themselves, aimed at Group Transition and the end goal of disbandment.
The fifth report recommends that the Governments consider appointing an independent person to engage with the groups on transition. This is just one of six new recommendations contained in the fifth report. Three of the remaining recommendations focus on variations on the theme of joined-up collaborative working. The other two recommendations address organised crime legislation in Northern Ireland and the need for continued financial support for efforts to tackle paramilitarism.
The report also points to the steady progress on the actions set out in the Executive Action Plan for Tackling Paramilitary Activity. Reporting on the vast majority of the actions falls to the Tackling Paramilitarism Programme Team located at the Department of Justice of Northern Ireland.
The reports of the Commission and their recommendations are the subject of discussion between the two Governments as part of the regular meetings of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The last such meeting was held on 19 January and the fifth report of the Independent Reporting Commission was considered, including the recommendations on possible mechanisms to progress the transition and disbandment of all remaining paramilitary groups.
The British and Irish Governments continue their joint work to consider this recommendation of the IRC and it will be discussed again at Ministerial level at the next BIIGC.
My Department is committed to continued constructive engagement with the Commission in respect of its work in 2023.
