§ 35. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has about the sources of funding of paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe main sources of finance for paramilitary organisations from within Northern Ireland are the profits gained from paramilitary-controlled social clubs and gaming machines; extortion and protection rackets; and fraud, particularly in the construction industry. The Royal Ulster Constabulary has established a special unit to draw together all police activity against organised crime and the Government have also introduced legislation to help cut off these sources of finance. Further legislation is under consideration.
NORAID also raises money for PIRA in the United States of America and in some instances engages in gunrunning on its behalf. It has been found by the United States' courts to be an "agent" of PIRA and leading NORAID figures have been implicated in gun-running.