Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I am not talking about the Garda Ombudsman but about the Garda Inspectorate, an entirely independent body which is responsible for all Garda activities, including the special detective unit. That some sections of the Act have either not been used or have been used very little is irrelevant. The important thing is that we have such sections in place in case they prove necessary.

It is no exaggeration to state that the environment in which states seek to protect themselves has undergone a drastic transformation following the rise in certain forms of international terrorism. Ireland, with its EU partners, continues to have a duty to contribute proactively to international security in the interests of public safety, both domestically and internationally.

The Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 was passed to deal with that international terrorist threat by enabling the application of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 to international terrorist groups and individuals. Although I do not wish to alarm people, I repeat that it would be very naive of anyone to think that Ireland does not need at its disposal the instruments necessary to fight international terrorism.

I have already mentioned the peace process, but I reiterate that the IMC report states that the Provisional IRA has had no recent involvement in terrorist activity, shootings, assaults, sectarian violence or intimidation. Moreover, the IMC is not aware of any recent instances in which the Provisional IRA has been involved in exiling people. That is a very welcome development for which people fought over many years. It is a tribute to those who fought to bring about an end to Provisional IRA violence that it has now happened. It is a tribute also to those who were involved that they have now put a stop to it. That was demanded for many years in this House, and it is to be applauded.

No one has invented the threats. The Omagh bomb was not an invention, and those responsible, the "Real IRA", are still pursuing their armed campaign. It is very important that we be acutely aware of the continuing threat of the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA. It is also very important to recognise that the threat of international terrorism continues to be very evident and could come to this country at any stage. For that reason, aside from our domestic situation, it is essential that this legislation remain in force.

See this speech in context