Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

I note the Minister's health warning on Part 7 dealing with organised crime. When this issue first came before the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, the Minister threw more than cold water on the suggestion. I am glad an effort has been made by way of amendment to tackle the issue of organised crime.

I am more sanguine than the Minister about the possible effectiveness of these provisions. There have been international developments — the situation in Canada to which we have all pointed. The experience following the turf wars in Quebec a dozen years ago led to similar types of provisions there. I am not overly concerned about constitutional infirmity, as the provisions are in accordance with the Constitution.

I take the Minister's point concerning proof, an issue that we should perhaps examine further. The House is right to welcome and endorse a basic framework. If the issue confronting us is one of evidence, we should look at the whole issue of supergrasses, who are sometimes referred to in derogatory terms. It is great if criminals can be encouraged to——

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