HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc518-9W
Mr. Peter Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many murders, maimings and beatings described as punishment beatings were carried out by the Provisional IRA in Northern Ireland(a) following the Provisional IRA's ceasefire declaration from midnight on 31 August 1994 to 6 pm on 9 February 1996 and (b) during the Provisional IRA's renewed terrorist campaign from 6 pm on 9 February 1996 to midday on 20 July 1997, on which their latest ceasefire declaration was announced. [10565]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 25 July 1997]: The information is not available in the format requested and would incur disproportionate cost to provide. The table, however, illustrates the number of deaths that have occurred directly due to the security situation and those casualties attributed to paramilitary style attacks by "Republican" organisations. The Royal Ulster Constabulary uses the term "paramilitary assaults" as opposed to punishment beatings as the latter tends to imply a certain justification for these appalling offences.

align="center">Deaths due to the security situation caused by Republican organisations
Number of deaths
1 September 1994 to 9 February 1996 (1800 hours) 110
9 February 1996 (1800 hours) to 20 July 1997 (1200 hours) 11
1This figure includes one RUC officer who died as a result of injuries sustained in 1973.

Casualties as a result of paramilitary style attacks by Republican organizations
Number of casualties
Casualties as a result of paramility style assaults
1 September 1994 to 9 February 1996 (1800 hours) 183
9 February 1996 (1800 hours) to 20 July 1997 (1200 hours) 209
Casualties as a result of paramilitary style shootings
1 September 1994 to 9 February 1996 (1800 hours) Nil
9 February 1996 (1800 hours) to 20 July 1997 (1200 hours) 18