Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a relatively long speaking note. At a high level, I will point out that in reviewing the amendment, my view is that it is unnecessary in the context of this section, which essentially restates an existing section of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. As Deputy Ó Ríordáin says, the amendment provides that nothing in section 3 of the Bill, which relates to the definition of security services other than for Part 7 of the Bill, "confers on a member of garda personnel a power that he or she does not otherwise have by virtue of another enactment or at common law". The second part of the amendment provides that nothing in section 3 "authorises a member of garda personnel to exercise a power conferred by law for a purpose that is not so authorised".

I note that this section restates section 3A of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, subject to one addition to the definition of "security services". The additional element refers to services provided by An Garda Síochána for the purposes of protecting the State from "acts contrary to the economic well-being of the State where such acts have an impact on national security interests". I am satisfied that the section is fine as it is, but the Deputy may wish to consider it further.