The Cabinet is expected to approve renewing the Offences Against the State Act, which provides for the non-jury Special Criminal Court, at its meeting on Tuesday. It is also understood Ms Humphreys believes there remains a substantive threat to the State from organised crime groups operating in, and into, Ireland. She is also expected to tell ministerial colleagues the special powers are required to deal with the threat of international terrorism, which leave democracies open to attack. Last year, Sinn Féin changed its stance on the Act and the Special Criminal Court. AbstainedHowever, last year it abstained in the Dáil vote after its justice spokesman Martin Kenny said the party accepted special powers were needed to tackle gangland crime.

Source: The Irish Times June 01, 2021 00:00 UTC