Madam, - On RTÉ today (Pat Kenny Show Nov 9), Michael McDowell proposed a pardon for "on the runs", rather than wasting Garda and court resources going through the motions of trying and then releasing them.
The Good Friday agreement provides for the release of paramilitary prisoners "on licence". This means that if they reoffend they can be made serve out their original sentences.
However, a State pardon would prevent any future charges against them for past misdeeds, should they become involved again in paramilitary or criminal activity. Is this the official Government position? - Yours, etc,
PETER MOLLOY, Glenageary, Co Dublin.