Danny Kennedy MLA has said that the public deserve to know who received letters as part of the “on the runs” scheme after the issue raised its head again in the Northern Ireland courts.

Danny Kennedy said:

"Once again the spectre of the odious 'on-the-run' scheme has raised its head in the Northern Ireland courts. I was surprised to hear on Friday that Paul Campbell was released on bail considering the fact that he was facing serious charges in connection with an attack on Coalisland Police Station in 1997. But the Irish News front page story on Saturday threw some light on the situation. I was disgusted to read that Campbell is allegedly another recipient of an OTR letter. This once again makes a mockery of the justice system in Northern Ireland.

"It also raises more questions for the PSNI. Why was Campbell not arrested before now? Gerry Kelly, Sinn Fein, the Government and the NIO have steadfastly refused to offer any further explanation on this. I think they have been hoping that the Hallett report would make it all go away. This proves them wrong. Gerry Kelly has refused to clarify why he claimed there were no names on them, yet he was the postman for them.

"The public deserve to know who received OTR letters. This year we've seen the inquest into the murder of Gareth O'Connor adjourned because one of the main suspects was in receipt of an OTR letter, delivered by Gerry Kelly – and now there is this case. There is a perception that there is a two tier system of justice in operation where Provisional IRA terrorists are seemingly untouchable. I hope the police and the courts prove otherwise."