Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

It is clear to anyone who has followed the Morris tribunal why the law needs to be changed in respect of the Offences against the State Act and the abuse by gardaí of the powers given to them under that and other Acts. I took the opportunity when the Minister raised it on Committee Stage to table this amendment. I would prefer to deal with the Offences against the State Act in full. I am giving notice here that this provision needs to be addressed. It should have been repealed here and if necessary the Minister could return with a more measured proposal, if such a measure can be implemented with extra-judicial warrants.

The committee which reviewed the Offences against the State Act was not aware of what was to emerge from the Morris tribunal. If it was meeting today it would be able to take that report on board. I would prefer to consider this. The Minister says he did not have time to consider it but he had the time to consider many other things. Will he consider it before this Bill goes to the Seanad to see whether there is any possibility of addressing the problem at that stage? If not, I will continue to raise aspects of the Offences against the State Act which have been abused and need to be repealed or amended to ensure that opportunities are not available to those who wish to abuse the powers given to them by this House.

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