Vol. 541 No. 2
119 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the investigation which has been held by Garda into allegations of co-operation between republican paramilitaries and paramilitary organisations in Columbia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22009/01]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that they are in liaison with the Colombian authorities about this matter. In particular, they have received and responded to a number of requests from the Colombian authorities, through established channels of international police co-operation, for assistance in the investigation of alleged connections between members of the FARC terrorist group and the Provisional IRA.
120 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the investigations which have been held into the circumstances in which a person (details supplied) was charged with the murder of two women in Grangegorman in March 1997; if the Garda accepts that this person could not have carried out the crime; the state of the Garda investigation into the original crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22015/01]
The Garda Commissioner appointed an assistant commissioner to conduct an investigation into the matter referred to by the Deputy. I am informed by the Garda authorities that this inquiry indicated that the person in question did not commit the murders. I understand that it was on this basis that the Director of Public Prosecutions discontinued proceedings against that person. I am also informed that no other person has been charged with the murders and that the Garda investigation remains open.
121 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the investigation which has been held into the theft of more than 100 sports rifles and shotguns from an arms dealer in Athlone in July 2001; if the Garda Síochána believes that there was paramilitary involvement in this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22008/01]
852 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a report in a newspaper (details supplied) which suggests that the Provisional IRA may have been responsible for the theft of more than 100 shotguns and sports rifles from an arms dealer in Athlone and was also involved in the largest theft of cigarettes in the Republic or Northern Ireland on 10 June 2001 at Belfast docks; his views on whether this activity on the part of the IRA is consistent with the public stance it is taking in regard to the peace process and decommissioning; and if he is taking political action regarding the political associates of the Provisional IRA in light of the information contained in the report in question. [21058/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 852 together.
In so far as the theft of arms in Athlone is concerned, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the matter is still under investigation by the local gardaí in Athlone with the assistance of members from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. No charges have yet been preferred against any person in this matter.
The theft of a large consignment of cigarettes from Belfast docks is being investigated by the RUC and there has been contact between the RUC and the Garda Síochána in relation to the investigation. While I am not sure what Deputy Bruton may have in mind when he refers to political action, he will be aware that the Government is committed to ensuring the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
