MEASURES THAT MAY TACKLE TERROR
Measures that may tackle new terror
A WIDE range of security measures is being considered to prevent dissident republican terrorists bombing Ulster and using the Republic as a bolthole.
A key measure being seriously considered is giving judges the power to convict people of membership of banned terror groups on the word of senior police officers.
RUC chief constable Ronnie Flanagan and Garda commissioner Pat Byrne yesterday held talks as part of the huge cross-border security operation to catch the killers. Amont the security options being discussed are:
Proscription of terror groups - Dr Mowlam said the Government was looking at ways of "making it easier to get convictions" for membership of proscribed organisations.
In the past, known terrorists have been jailed for membership of groups such as the Provisional IRA, and this tactic could be used to deal with the much smaller Real IRA.
The Real IRA is not specifically outlawed in Ulster or the Republic, but security sources say existing laws which ban the IRA may be sufficient for action against the group.
When asked whether the government was considering such a change in the law Dr Mowlam said"You're in the right ballpark."
Internment - The Republic's Offences Against the State Act would allow internment to begin immediately.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has not ruled out ordering this when he meets with his cabinet tomorrow. The UK recently repealed its internment laws and parliament would have to be recalled if it were decided to reintroduce them.
Cross-border police co-operation - The bulk of the Real IRA's members are believed to be based in the Republic and the Omagh bombers are thought to have fled across the border after planting their bomb.
Officers from the two forces are expected to be given extra powers to operate on both sides of the border.
Tougher police powers - The Emergency Provisions Act and the Prevention of Terror Act toallow police to hold suspects for more than seven days without charge and to strengthen bans on terrorist organisations.
Changes to the law could allow evidence gathered by phone-tapping to be used in court and the resources of convicted terrorists to be confiscated.
It is understood that a new offence of "being concerned in the preparation of an act of terrorism" is being considered.
Use of secret intelligence services - MI5 will be given a key role in ensuring dissident terrorists do not undermine the peace process.
Unofficial estimates suggest about half MI5's �150m annual budget and 2,000-strong staff are devoted to counter-terrorism work. Applying pressure on 'mainstream republican groups - Unionists have-called for the early release of IRA prisoners to be put on hold and for decommissioning to start immediately.
There are fears released Republicans might join the ranks of the Real IRA, or that Provisional arms stockpiles might be seized by the new group.
A WIDE range of security measures is being considered to prevent dissident republican terrorists bombing Ulster and using the Republic as a bolthole.
A key measure being seriously considered is giving judges the power to convict people of membership of banned terror groups on the word of senior police officers.
RUC chief constable Ronnie Flanagan and Garda commissioner Pat Byrne yesterday held talks as part of the huge cross-border security operation to catch the killers. Amont the security options being discussed are:
Proscription of terror groups - Dr Mowlam said the Government was looking at ways of "making it easier to get convictions" for membership of proscribed organisations.
In the past, known terrorists have been jailed for membership of groups such as the Provisional IRA, and this tactic could be used to deal with the much smaller Real IRA.
The Real IRA is not specifically outlawed in Ulster or the Republic, but security sources say existing laws which ban the IRA may be sufficient for action against the group.
When asked whether the government was considering such a change in the law Dr Mowlam said"You're in the right ballpark."
Internment - The Republic's Offences Against the State Act would allow internment to begin immediately.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has not ruled out ordering this when he meets with his cabinet tomorrow. The UK recently repealed its internment laws and parliament would have to be recalled if it were decided to reintroduce them.
Cross-border police co-operation - The bulk of the Real IRA's members are believed to be based in the Republic and the Omagh bombers are thought to have fled across the border after planting their bomb.
Officers from the two forces are expected to be given extra powers to operate on both sides of the border.
Tougher police powers - The Emergency Provisions Act and the Prevention of Terror Act toallow police to hold suspects for more than seven days without charge and to strengthen bans on terrorist organisations.
Changes to the law could allow evidence gathered by phone-tapping to be used in court and the resources of convicted terrorists to be confiscated.
It is understood that a new offence of "being concerned in the preparation of an act of terrorism" is being considered.
Use of secret intelligence services - MI5 will be given a key role in ensuring dissident terrorists do not undermine the peace process.
Unofficial estimates suggest about half MI5's �150m annual budget and 2,000-strong staff are devoted to counter-terrorism work. Applying pressure on 'mainstream republican groups - Unionists have-called for the early release of IRA prisoners to be put on hold and for decommissioning to start immediately.
There are fears released Republicans might join the ranks of the Real IRA, or that Provisional arms stockpiles might be seized by the new group.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0043
Published Date: 18-Aug-98
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