Tougher penalties for ‘terrorist-linked’ offences planned on both sides of Irish border - On This Day in 1976

August 11 1976Tougher penalties for “terrorist-linked” offences are to be introduced without delay on both sides of the Border.New legislation to be speeded through by Order in Council, signed by Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Merlyn Rees within the next few days will double the maximum sentences from five to 10 years for carrying weapons in a public place or possessing firearms under suspicious circumstances. Wider use is also to be made of existing conspiracy powers.And in Dublin, the Dail is being recalled from Summer recess at the end of this month to push through an “anti-terrorist package” aimed at curbing the activities of the Provisional IRA and other militant groups operating in, and from, the Republic. Longer jail sentences for IRA membership are a certainty and special legislati