Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
510 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether membership of armed gangs should be made a criminal offence; his proposals in this regard, setting out the proposed legislative basis for same. [21311/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is aware that I published last July the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is on Second Stage in the House. As I have indicated previously, I am considering the introduction of a number of amendments to the Bill, including provision for criminal offences relating to organised crime. I am examining the issue in the context of giving effect in Irish law to the European Union Joint Action on Participation in a Criminal Organisation of 1998 and the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime of 2000. I intend to bring my proposals to the Government to seek approval to draft in the near future.
