Anti-terrorist legislation renewed

The Government today renewed tough anti-terrorist legislation brought in to combat dissident republican paramilitary activity in the wake of the Omagh bombing.

Justice minister John O’Donoghue said the ‘‘sad reality’’ was that the Omagh bombers have continued their campaign of violence.

But he pledged that the police investigation into the 1998 car bombing which killed 29 and injured hundreds more would not end until those responsible were brought to justice.

Though no one has been convicted in connection with the atrocity, he said there has been ‘‘considerable progress’’ in the police crackdown on terrorist activity in the past year.

Some of the provisions of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, due to expire at end of June but which were today extended for a further 12 months, were considered so draconian they should be regularly renewed.

Mr O’Donoghue said: ‘‘One person is currently before the courts on a charge related to the Omagh bomb and the investigation is continuing. The Garda Siochana will never give up the search for those responsible.

‘‘The sad reality is that those responsible for the Omagh bomb have, in the last year, continued their campaign of violence and that there is no change of substance to the circumstances which led to the enactment of the 1998 act.’’

Under the Act:

:: Inferences may be drawn from the refusal of a suspect to answer questions, which has been used in five cases, resulting in one conviction and four charges.

:: A new offence of directing terrorism was created, punishable with life imprisonment, under which one person has been charged.

:: It is an offence to collect, record or possess information likely to be useful in a serious terrorist offence, which has brought two individuals before the Irish courts.

:: Twenty-seven people have been questioned for up to 72 hours, 24 hours longer that they could previously be detained.

:: Six people have been convicted of the new offence of training others in the manufacture or use of firearms or explosives.

Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Adrian died in the 1998 Omagh car bombing, said he was ‘‘delighted’’ by the decision.

Mr Gallagher, spokesman for the Omagh Victims’ Group, said: ‘‘We met Mr O’Donoghue a few weeks ago and impressed on him the importance of continuing to hunt for the Omagh bombers because they have continued to try to commit other Omaghs.

‘‘It is only through the good work of the gardai, the RUC and the authorities in London that they didn’t succeed - but the threat is very real.

‘‘We recognise that we live in a democracy and we don’t just want someone lifted off the streets - it must be a safe conviction.’’