James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, on her statement on the renewal of the provisions in the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, and I add my full support to the motion.

We know the provisions in the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 were introduced as a response to the Omagh bombing in 1998. We will never forget this appalling and ruthless event, a bombing that resulted in the murder of 29 innocent victims and untold suffering for their families and loved ones. While the security situation has improved, according to a security assessment by An Garda Síochána, the threat of terrorist atrocities from dissident republican paramilitaries against our communities and against peace remains. It also indicates that these robust provisions continue to be needed. It is a sobering reminder to contemplate the nature of dissident republicans who, despite being rejected by the people of Ireland and after they committed atrocities such as the Omagh bombing, remain committed to violence. The hard work of An Garda Síochána to disrupt terrorist activities prevents dissident republicans from inflicting further misery and suffering on our island. Its work must be underpinned with appropriate legislative powers. For this reason, I fully support the renewal of the provisions of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act.

The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 provides for a trial in the Special Criminal Court for a small number of serious organised crime offences. The purpose of this provision is to guard against the possibility of interference with jury trial with ruthless criminal groups. In these most serious organised crime cases, as in terrorism cases, the Special Criminal Court has played, and continues to play, a key role. I am sure all of us in the Chamber know of the devastation that organised criminal gangs have brought to communities throughout the State, with drugs, violence, intimidation, and murder. Organised criminal gangs are ruthless and remorseless. Let us be in no doubt that they would exploit any weakness in the criminal justice system if given the opportunity. The ability to try them in the Special Criminal Court helps to protect the rule of law and the administration of justice. I support the Minister's renewal of the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act.

I also acknowledge the work of the independent review group, chaired by Mr. Justice Michael Peart, which is reviewing the Offences against the State Act. The detailed review of the Act is welcome and I await the review group's final report, which is expected later this year. By renewing these important provisions, the House is affirming the position that we will not tolerate the activities of terrorists and organised crime groups and we are committed to seeing them defeated.

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