Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 5

Other Questions. - Newspaper Reports.

John Bruton

Ceist:

10 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reports in a newspaper (details supplied) to the effect that the Provisional IRA is involved in protection rackets, the setting up of dummy security companies and the drugs trade here; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that it is involved in punishment beatings and shootings, and that it holds sufficient arms to equip three battalions of conventional forces; and if he will make a statement on whether he regards it as acceptable that an organisation of this kind should be linked to a political party with representatives in Dáil Éireann. [2891/03]

Mr. McDowell

I am aware of the newspaper reports to which the Deputy refers and other similar articles and I fully understand why, on the basis of those reports, the Deputy has tabled the question. From a law enforcement perspective, however, what is required in order to take action against either individuals or organisations is evidence that will stand up in a court of law.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that while they are also aware of the report to which Deputy Bruton refers, they do not have specific intelligence to substantiate reports that illegal organisations are involved in the activities to which the Deputy refers. However, individuals with connections to these organisations are strongly suspected of being involved in these activities for personal gain.

While it is not possible to put a figure on the number of arms held by the organisation in question, the Deputy will be aware that the Decommissioning Act 1997 and the regulations made under it provide for the decommissioning of such arms. I look forward to further and substantial progress in this regard.

As regards the final part of Deputy Bruton's question, in the Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Féin and other parties committed themselves to exclusively democratic and peaceful means of resolving differences on political issues. In addition, Sinn Féin reaffirmed its opposition to any use or threat of force by others for any political purpose, whether in regard to the Agreement or otherwise. I believe the leadership of Sinn Féin remains committed to that course.

On a general note, the Deputy will be aware that intensive discussions are currently taking place between the two Governments and the parties to the Agreement to secure acts of completion on all sides.

Mr. Deasy

The Minister mentioned specific intelligence, but the Deloitte & Touche report referred to the need for surveillance capacity. It states that while the NBCI has a small surveillance unit, it is not sufficient to meet the needs of existing investigations and future needs for the targeting of organised criminals. What we have is a reactive, not a proactive, police force. The resources are not being put in place to deal with organised crime and criminals. Will the Minister answer that question?

Mr. McDowell

The Deputy is beating a different drum from that being beaten by Deputy Bruton in his question. Deputy Bruton asked about particular newspaper reports concerning the activities of alleged members of the IRA and the amount of arms and material at its disposal. In relation to that particular organisation and the threat which it and other subversive organisations pose to this society, the Garda has a long-established, proactive and detailed response, with which I need not deal here. To suggest that the force is not addressing the issue of the security threat to this State is not true. The Garda has an effective, proactive, intelligence-based approach to subversive crime in this country.

Mr. Deasy

I am asking the Minister if the Garda is adequately resourced to deal with these criminal organisations.

Mr. McDowell

The Garda Síochána is operating at an all-time high. In relation to these organisations, it is putting all the resources the Garda Commissioner regards as necessary into countering the subversive threat to this State. The Commissioner has not indicated to me that he requires extra resources in this area and I have no reason to believe he does. Deputies from all parties in this House – perhaps even all parties in general – will welcome the huge strides made in countering subversion and, in particular, the huge successes that have been scored against dissidents in the republican movement who have attempted to use this country as a base for murderous and cowardly violence in Northern Ireland.

The Deputy continues to bang the drum about lack of resources. It is an easy catch-phrase on to which Opposition Deputies can latch. Close to €1 billion per annum is being spent on policing. The Government has increased—

Mr. Deasy

It is not just us. The Garda representative bodies are saying the same thing.

Mr. Costello

Where are the 2,000—

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Order, please.

Mr. McDowell

The Deputy will not listen. The Government has increased the spending on Garda Síochána activities from €600 million to €960 million since 1997. Deputies on the other side of the House belong to parties which neglected the Garda Síochána and lost the election in 1997 because they were so pathetic in the way they took on the problem of crime.

Mr. Stanton

The Minister should not start referring to zero tolerance.

Mr. Durkan

Will the Minister indicate if the specific references in the question have been investigated and outline the outcome of those investigations?

Mr. McDowell

I am aware, from conversations with the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, that the particular reference to beatings of members of subversive organisations have been investigated and have been the subject of close scrutiny by the Garda Síochána.