Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The matter to which the Deputy refers has come to prominence in recent months following allegations that have been made publicly about the sexual abuse of children by members of the Provisional IRA and allegations of cover ups of these crimes.

This continues, of course, to be a matter of considerable public concern and the matters are the subject of ongoing investigation by the Garda authorities.

It is important to recall that the Provisional IRA was an illegal organisation which engaged in terrorism and other serious criminal acts over the course of its existence. While it is in the nature of it difficult to assess the scale of such illegal acts, it is well known that the Provisional IRA was styled along military lines and that it sought to exercise authority and control over its members and, indeed, over communities by a variety of means. It is also well known that it exercised extra-judicial punishments, including by the use of intimidation and violence, up to and including killing.

I am sure the Deputy will agree that there is not now nor has there ever been a justification for the types of illegal activity that the Provisional IRA engaged in over the course of its campaign of violence. No such group has the right to place itself in the role of judge, jury and executioner, above and beyond the law. There is and there can be only one justice system in this State and that is the one set out in the Constitution and provided for in law.

Unfortunately, despite the great progress that has been made in securing peace in Northern Ireland since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, there remain so-called 'dissident' groups who reject peace and who continue to use crime and violence to achieve their aims. The Garda Authorities are alert to the possibility of persons or organisations taking actions in respect of victims of crime that may constitute offences and any activities of this nature that come to light will be investigated fully. The Garda authorities continue to work to disrupt and counteract the activities of those paramilitary groups who still pose a real threat on this island. In doing so the Gardaí co-operate very closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland on an ongoing basis.