Written question asked by David Burnside (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what his estimate is of the (a) size, (b) scale and (c) range of criminal activities being carried out by (i) the UDA, (ii) the UVF, (iii) PIRA and (iv) INLA; and what action is being taken to stop such activities.

Answer: David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his estimate is of the (a) size, (b) scale and (c) range of criminal activities being carried out by (i) the UDA, (ii) the UVF, (iii) PIRA and (iv) INLA; and what action is being taken to stop such activities. [196501] Mr. Pearson: The Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Threat Assessment, which was launched on 11 May 2004, clearly indicated that all Northern Ireland based paramilitary groups remain involved in organised crime, particularly in respect of counterfeiting, drugs, oils fraud, extortion, money laundering, robbery and illegal tobacco. The IMC reports of 20 April and 4 November also provide a clear assessment of the criminal activities of all paramilitary groups. The Organised Crime Task Force provides the strategic framework for the law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and agree priorities for tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland. The effectiveness of this approach is clearly evidenced by the partner agencies' continuing successes against organised criminal gangs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 196501; 426 c525W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Crime prevention Crime IRA Northern Ireland Organised crime Proscribed organisations Ulster Defence Association Irish National Liberation Army Ulster Volunteer Force Organised Crime Task Force
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk