Opposition wants state of emergency option considered

THE Opposition parties want the Government to consider declaring a state of emergency to maximise its powers in dealing with subversion and organised crime.

Sources in Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats told The Irish, Times, however, that there were no special provisions in the Emergency Powers Act or the Offences Against the State Act which they specifically wished to apply to drug barons following the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin.

The call for, a reinstatement of.the state of emergency is part of a lengthy joint Opposition motion which will be debated in the Dail next Tuesday and Wednesday. The state of emergency, which permits a government to circumvent the Constitution for the preservation of public safety, was lifted shortly after the calling of the IRA ceasefire in 1994.

The joint motion was tabled by Fianna Fail and the PDs yesterday because of the "unsatisfactory and unreal" decision of the Government to postpone a debate on the threat to the security of, the State posed by subversive and organised crime for a month. They want the Dail to remain in session after next Friday, instead of adjourning for the summer recess, to deal with these matters.

Condemning the horrific murders of Ms Guerin and Det Garda Jerry McCabe, the Opposition parties want "a defining moment in the battle against subversion and organised crime".

They also called on the Government to urgently adopt a number of measures. These include the proposals contained in Fianna, Fail's Organised Crime (Restraint and Disposal of Illicit Assets) Bill, reform of the bail, laws and measures to curtail an absolute right to silence, with safeguard in serious criminal matters.

The Opposition parties, in their motion, are also seeking measures to expedite the law in criminal procedures; minimum sentences for use of illegal firearms; measures to control the abuse of temporary release; and the establishment of a statutory prison service with an obligation on the State to provide adequate prison spaces.

They are demanding the immediate filling of all judicial vacancies in the Circuit Court and High Court. They want special sittings of the Central Criminal Court and Circuit Courts during the legal vacations.

The establishment of a unified prosecution service, measures to provide for formal questioning of suspects before judicial officers; and the restoration of the murder squad and a review of Garda deployment, also among the 12 steps to combat crime sought by the Opposition parties.

Fianna Fail and the PDs are also seeking that consideration be given to the making of a resolution by the Dail for a declaration that a national emergency exists to enable the passage of laws to secure public safety.