Vol. 541 No. 2
105 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendations of the interim report of the committee to review the Offences Against the State Act, 1939; if he will implement the recommendations in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22005/01]
In May 1999 the Committee to Review the Offences against the State Acts, 1939 to 1998, was established under the chairmanship of the Honourable Mr. Justice Anthony J. Hederman. It was requested to examine all aspects of the Offences against the State Acts, 1939 to 1998, taking into account: (a) the view of the participants to the multi-party negotiations that the development of a peaceful environment on the basis of the agreement reached on 10 April 1998 can and should mean a normalisation of security arrangements and practices; (b) the threat posed by international terrorism and organised crime; and (c) Ireland's obligations under international law. The committee was asked to report as soon as practicable.
The interim report of the committee deals with the Special Criminal Court and was made to assist the Government in responding to a view of the United Nations Human Rights Committee on the mechanism for the referral of cases to the Special Criminal Court. The issues raised in the interim report concerning the future of the Special Criminal Court will be examined in due course in the context of the consideration of the final report of the committee.
