Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of "on-the-runs" here; his views on granting them an amnesty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37058/05]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if "on-the-runs" will be requested to outline the crimes that they were involved in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37059/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.

It is not possible to quantify in advance the number of persons who might be appropriate to avail of a pre-trial pardon in this jurisdiction to deal with so-called "on-the-runs", although it is expected that numbers will be small.

The proposal can be seen as a logical follow through of the early release provisions of the Good Friday Agreement. This does not mitigate in any way, however, the distress which the operation of the scheme is likely to cause people, particularly those who had been the victims of outrages perpetrated by paramilitary organisations. Nevertheless, in the context of bringing about an end to the conflict in Northern Ireland, both Governments have indicated for some years their belief that this issue had to be addressed.

The Deputy will already be aware that I have made it clear publicly that there is absolutely no question of this scheme benefiting persons wanted in connection with the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe or the wounding of Detective Garda Ben O'Sullivan.