Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 5

Written Answers. - Anti-Terrorist Legislation.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

62 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has undertaken any study of the implications for Irish people living in the United Kingdom of the proposed new anti-terrorist legislation there, having particular regard to the serious concerns expressed by civil liberty groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29231/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

On 12 November, the British Government introduced the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill which is currently being considered in the House of Commons. The Bill, which passed its Second Reading on 20 November by 458 votes to 5, is at present in committee and it is expected that proceedings in the House of Commons will conclude next Monday, 26 November.

The Bill contains a wide range of measures which the British Government considers to be necessary in the light of the situation arising fol lowing the 11 September terrorist attacks. The following are among the measures contained in the Bill: expanded powers to seize terrorist cash; powers to freeze the assets of overseas residents or governments where there is a threat against the UK economy, UK nationals or persons resident in the UK; additional powers for the police to search, examine and fingerprint terrorist suspects in order to identify them; additional powers of detention under the Immigration Act; measures to address religious and racial hatred or violence; measures to ensure the security of the nuclear and aviation industries and to improve the security of dangerous substances that may be targeted or used by terrorists.

My officials have examined this lengthy and complex instrument in the short time available since its publication and will continue to monitor its progress through the British Parliament.

A significant part of the concern expressed by civil liberties groups and others has been directed at the additional detention powers which the Bill will give the Home Secretary, in certain cases. At present, persons who are awaiting deportation under the Immigration Act, 1971, may be detained, but only if deportation will be possible within a reasonable period of time. The new legislation will allow the detention of persons awaiting deportation provided certain specific conditions are met. I am satisfied that, as the legislation is currently drafted, these conditions are such that the new detention powers will not affect Irish persons living in the United Kingdom.

The legislation will extend to Northern Ireland the power which already exists in Britain for a senior police officer to authorise pedestrians and vehicles to be stopped and searched for offensive weapons where the officer reasonably believes incidents involving serious violence may take place in a locality.

It is clear that a number of the other measures will affect all persons living in the United Kingdom. I am satisfied, however, that none of the measures will have a greater effect on Irish persons living in the UK than on British nationals or other UK residents.