Independent Monitoring Commission Publishes 18th Report

The Commission's report continues its assessment of the level of paramilitary activity, and covers the six month period from 1 September 2007 to 29 February 2008. 

It made clear that dissident republican groups continue to engage in a range of criminal and terrorist activities.

Commenting on the report's findings, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan, T.D., stated: "These illegal, anti-democratic and violent organisations remain a blight on the democratic landscape of Ireland, north and south." 

"The report recounts in detail the various criminal activities, including extortion, drug-dealing and brothel-keeping, in which these groups indulge, often obviously in pursuit of personal gain rather than any political objective. 

"They have no mandate or support for their actions and we will continue to oppose them with the utmost vigour."

The report recognised the efforts being made by loyalist groups to move their organisations away from criminality, while stating that much more remains to be done.

The report also addressed the October 2007 killing of Paul Quinn in County Armagh. 

While it observed that "amongst those involved were people who had in various ways been associated with the PIRA at local level, including as members," the report concluded that the Provisional IRA was not responsible for the attack.

Noting the findings of the IMC in this regard, Minister Lenihan said that the killing of Paul Quinn was a brutal and cowardly act. 

He again extended the Government's sympathy to the family, and expressed his admiration for their dignity and determination in the pursuit of justice for their son. 

The Minister stated: "I know that the Gardaí, in close co-operation with the PSNI, are determined to bring Paul's killers to justice.  There is no room on this island for people, whatever their background, who think they can commit such heinous acts with impunity."

The Minister welcomed the IMC's support for the devolution of policing and justice responsibilities to the Northern Ireland Executive: "I want to thank the IMC for its hard work and the contribution it continues to make to the peace process.  The Commission's conclusion that the devolution of policing and justice responsibilities would be a further step in Northern Ireland's transition to a peaceful society is one I endorse wholeheartedly."