Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, has today described Fine Gael’s move to once again renew the provisions of the Offences against the State Act as another missed opportunity.

The renewal comes a year after the publication of a review, which recommended the repeal of the act and its replacement with modern and permanent legislation.

Teachta Daly said:

“With this renewal vote, once again this Minister for Justice is failing communities, failing the Gardaí and failing to act.

“She is bringing before the Dáil measures which she knows are outdated, measures which she knows need improved and in doing so is failing to bring forward the sorts of reforms and improvements demanded by the expert panel which the government itself has established.

“This process has been going on since 2020. The Minister had the opportunity to bring forward 21st century laws and procedures to deal with 21st century criminals gangs – to leave an actual legacy in the area of criminal justice.

“Instead, like with so many other issues, she has sat on her hands and ignored the experts she herself appointed. The communities who have to endure criminal gangs within their midst are the ones who suffer from this inaction.

“Two years ago now, Sinn Féin made a submission to the review which emphasised the need to modernise these laws, and not continue the legal uncertainty inherent in their need to be renewed annually.

“We will not oppose the renewal but it is clear this is a massive opportunity missed. Rather than debating renewal again, we should be having a full and open debate on new proposals. The public knows that these emergency powers are outdated and need to go, and the real question is where is their replacement.”