HC Deb 20 March 2002 vol 382 c335W
12. Mr. Baron

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the level of criminal activity undertaken by paramilitary groups. [42014]

Jane Kennedy

The Organised Crime Task Force, which I chair, is continuing to tackle head on organised criminal activity in all its forms. In last year"s threat assessment, published in March 2001, the Organised Crime Task Force identified 78 organised crime groups, involving around 400 individuals. About half of the groups have links to paramilitary groups.

However, the lines between terrorism and organised crime are blurred. Approaching terrorism as just terrorism, or organised crime as just organised crime, will inevitably overlook the common ground between the two. Both depend on a group of individuals operating together in secrecy with the same need to launder proceeds from racketeering, drugs, armed robberies etc. regardless of whether this is for personal gain or paramilitary purposes.

15. Paul Farrelly

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance is being provided from the United States to assist in combating organised crime and gangsterism in Northern Ireland. [42017]

29. Mr. Tony Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance is being provided from the United States to assist in combating organised crime and gangsterism in Northern Ireland. [42031]

Jane Kennedy

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint).

21. David Cairns

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the links between paramilitary organisations and organised crime gangs in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [42023]

Jane Kennedy

The Organised Crime Task Force published a threat assessment in March 2001, which identified 78 organised crime groups in Northern Ireland involving some 400 individuals. About half of the groups have links to the paramilitaries.

The next threat assessment and strategy will be published in May 2002.