Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
118. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if, in relation to the OASA Review Group Report, she will make a commitment to implement the Review Group’s recommendations; and if she will provide a timeline for implementation. [31546/23]
View answerLast week, following their consideration by Government, I published the majority report and the minority report of the Independent Review Group appointed to examine all aspects of the Offences Against the State Acts.
The Acts are Ireland's primary counter-terrorism legislation. They have and continue to serve the State well in tackling subversives and organised crime and fulfil a vital role in our criminal justice system.
Given their importance over many decades any proposals for reform must be thoroughly considered and approached with the utmost care.
There is much to digest in the majority’s package of recommendations and also in the perspective of the minority, and it is important, as I have said, to take the time to consider carefully how best to proceed.
With this in mind, I have asked my officials to consult with other Government Departments and the Garda Commissioner, the Office of the DPP and the Courts Service to inform the preparation of a substantive response for consideration by Government in due course.
I have also asked my officials to consult with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to ensure that a broad human rights perspective is captured.
I intend in the short term to take two other initiatives in response to the work of the Review Group:
I intend to discuss with my officials the matter of jury reform to see if any measures – short of non-jury trials – can be identified which might in certain cases mitigate the risk of intimidation or other interference.
I also intend, having regard to the concern of the majority and the minority in relation to the limited data available in respect of the operation of the Special Criminal Court and the extent of jury and witness intimidation, to engage with the relevant agencies and offices to identify what improvements can be made in the collection and publication of data relating to these matters to support independent scrutiny and promote public confidence.
I can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to considering the reports and returning to Government with a response in due course.
