The question of introducing legislation to allow for the release of paramilitary prisoners under the Belfast Agreement remained open last night. A Government spokesman said there was existing legislation to deal with the scheme for the release of paramilitary prisoners within two years.
Following comments by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, in the Dail yesterday that the Department of Justice was examining whether special legislation was required, a spokesman said the legislative course was "not ruled out". However, the Belfast Agreement specifically states that "the Governments will seek to enact the appropriate legislation to give effect to these arrangements by the end of June 1998".
The possibility that legislation may be not be necessary emerged yesterday when the Labour leader, Mr Quinn, pointed out that time was running out in terms of bringing the legislation before the House. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, told him that the Department of Justice was "examining whether the matter requires legislation". A meeting was taking place in the Department to examine the situation.
Opposition parties have expressed alarm over the possibility that legislation will not be introduced in the Oireachtas, in parallel with Britain. "I place on record my grave concern that the Irish Government which was party to the British-Irish Agreement, is apparently reneging on a commitment to introduce legislation," said Mr Quinn.