THE Irish and British governments should critically examine the continuing necessity for legislation specifically enacted to counter the subversive threat in Northern Ireland, and repeal or replace what is no longer needed, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, has said.
Speaking at the seminar at the weekend, Mrs Owen said progress in this regard could play a part in consolidating the peace process and contributing to political development.
She added "That process is necessary in both jurisdictions. The Irish Government has already taken a significant number of steps. We moved early to end the national emergency declared to exist in 1976, arising from the situation in Northern Ireland, thus allowing the Emergency Powers Act of that year to automatically lapse.
"The Government is also committed to reviewing all legislation and court arrangements associated with the management of the conflict in Northern Ireland in the last 25 years. Preparatory work to that end is already under way.
Mrs Owen said the drugs issue posed a law and order challenge on both sides of the Border. "Proposals which I brought to Government last year provide for a series of legislative, financial, operational and organisational measures intended to combat drug trafficking."