Review considers threat from domestic and international criminals
Review will complement the advanced work done in the department regarding the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys has published the interim report of an independent Review Group established to examine all aspects of the Offences Against the State Acts, 1939 to 1998, and consider the current threat posed by domestic and international terrorism and organised crime to Ireland.
The Review Group was established back in February of this year by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, who appointed a group of six experts to review Ireland’s primary counter-terrorism legislation.
Chaired by Mr Justice Michael Peart, former Judge of the Court of Appeal, the group is tasked with will examining all aspects of the legislation. It follows a commitment given in the Oireachtas in 2020 during the debate on the renewal of certain provisions of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998.
The terms of reference of the group include consideration of the following matters:
- The current threat posed by domestic/international terrorism and organised crime
- The duty to deliver a fair and effective criminal justice system to ensure the protection of communities and the security of the State
- Irelands' obligations in relation to Constitutional and ECHR rights and international law
A comprehensive and independent review was previously published in August 2002 by a committee under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court Judge, the late Mr Justice Anthony Hederman.
It is envisaged the current review will complement the advanced work done in the department regarding the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
Yesterday (Tuesday) Minister Humphreys published the interim report of the independent Review Group.
“I am pleased to receive this interim report from the independent Review Group. The Offences Against the State Acts form the main body of counter-terrorism legislation in Ireland and it is important that the legislation is subject to scrutiny and review,” she said.
“I am grateful to the members of the Group for their work to date and look forward to their final report which will receive careful consideration by my Department.”
The interim report is published on the Department’s website HERE.