Vol. 494 No. 4
381 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to review the internment powers contained in the Offences against the State Acts, 1939 to 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18300/98]
In the British-Irish Agreement, the Government gave a commitment to "initiate a wide-ranging review of the Offences Against the State Acts 1939-85 with a view to both reform and dispensing with those elements no longer required as circumstances permit". This will, of course, include a review of the power of internment. I am taking steps to meet this commitment by way of the establishment of a special committee under independent chairmanship and with the participation of both Government and outside experts, and I will make a statement in the matter shortly.
