Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
138. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the progress made since the return of Stormont to implement the strong recommendation of the Independent Reporting Committee which works to end paramilitarism, in relation to structured dialogue with paramilitary organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11093/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) is the body established under the Fresh Start Agreement 2015 to report on measures aimed at ending paramilitarism. The Reports of the Commission provide a comprehensive insight into the work that is being done to tackle paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland and they set out a pathway to achieving progress.
The Commission remains committed to the twin track approach to tackling paramilitarism. That is a policing and justice response, side by side with a comprehensive addressing of the systemic, socio-economic issues facing communities where the paramilitaries operate. The Commission continues to see the need for a third dimension to tackle paramilitarism, namely the undertaking of a process of engagement with the paramilitary groups themselves, aimed at group transition and the end goal of disbandment.
The Governments have discussed the analysis and recommendations of the Commission and acknowledge that additional steps are needed to definitively achieve the ending of paramilitarism. It is simply not acceptable that paramilitarism be allowed to be perpetuated for this and future generations.
One of the recommendations in the fifth report is that the two Governments consider appointing an Independent Person to engage and report in detail on the question of the possible establishment of a formal process of comprehensive group transition. Both Governments agree that the Commission's recommendation has the potential to make a positive contribution, and will continue our joint work to consider this recommendation including at the next meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference due to take place shortly.
While the IRC recommendation is focussed on the two Governments, it also recognises the role of the Executive. Indeed, the IRC report that Phase Two of the Executive programme for tackling paramilitary activity and organised crime is achieving tangible benefits on the ground. The IRC has been clear that achieving the goal of tackling paramilitarism will require political leadership from every quarter and I welcome that we now have a functioning Executive that can represent the interests of the people of Northern Ireland and deal with the issues and challenges that Northern Ireland faces at present.
