Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I introduced the Act in 1998 in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing. The House met in special session to pass that legislation. The International Monitoring Commission report, published in the past several hours, shows there are at least three militant, illegal, and dissident republican paramilitary groups operating in the State. That is why it is necessary to extend this legislation. I would also like to come to the day when we would not require it. However, it is clear from today's IMC report that it is required.

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