Mr Justice Michael Peart, former Judge of the Court of Appeal, will chair six person expert review group

16 February 2021

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has appointed a group of six experts to review the Offences Against the State Acts – Ireland’s primary counter-terrorism legislation.

The Group will be chaired by Mr Justice Michael Peart, former Judge of the Court of Appeal and will examine all aspects of the legislation, taking into account the current threat posed by domestic and international terrorism and organised crime.

Minster McEntee said:

“The Offences Against the State Acts have been a vital component in our response to the anti-democratic and criminal forces that have sought to undermine the integrity of our State through violence and intimidation.

“I am firmly of the view that the Offences Against the State Acts and Special Criminal Court have served the State well in tackling subversives and organised crime gangs and have long been a necessary part of the State’s arsenal in this regard. However, it is important to occasionally review the operation of our important legislation.

“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.

“This current review is timely and will complement the advanced work in my Department to deliver on the Programme for Government commitments regarding the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.”

The Group will draw on the wide experience and expertise of its Chairperson and membership. The other members of the Group are:

  • Dr Alan Greene, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham

  • Ms Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, Barrister

  • Ms Caitlín Ní Fhlaitheartaigh, former Advisory Counsel at the Office of the Attorney General

  • Professor Donncha O’Connell, School of Law, NUI Galway

  • Mr Ken O’Leary, former Deputy Secretary General at the Department of Justice.

The Minister added,

“The Review Group will engage with relevant stakeholders in line with current public health guidelines, and I will be requesting an interim report within three months with an indication of the timescale required to complete its work.

“I would like to thank Mr Justice Michael Peart and the members of the review committee for undertaking this important task and I look forward to their report.“

ENDS…/