§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to proscribe the Real IRA under the Terrorism Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [176968]
§ Mr. PearsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible for the proscription of groups which are concerned in the terrorism connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland. Following the RIRA judgment, the Attorney-General announced on 28 May that he would refer the ruling to the Court of Appeal. It would be inappropriate to comment further on matters which could be before the Court. It is however the Secretary of State's position that RIRA was proscribed under the Terrorism Act and he remains of the view that RIRA should be proscribed. The Secretary of State has made it clear that he will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that RIRA is proscribed.