Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to say a few words on this subject. As time goes on, there are increasing signs that terrorism is beginning to become a serious issue in democratic countries in particular. Given their openness and freedom, democracies are more susceptible and vulnerable to terrorist acts than are those in which less freedom obtains. There is also the danger that to protect ourselves against terrorism or to beat the terrorist, we create such an environment that we become part of the problem.

Any proposals that come before the Government or the European Union should have regard for the fact that one can alienate one's own community by introducing legislation, regulations or agreements that are punitive, restrictive or appear to undermine the rights, entitlements or liberties of those to which they apply. This should not be done lightly and should be done equally across all borders. The European Union is very good at handing down diktats frequently on various issues as to what should be done, how it should be done and to what extent. Some within the European Union however, including those at its core, do not always adhere to the principles they set down themselves.

In this case, I would have expected someone from the Independent-Green Party-Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government to have rushed out to the plinth to speak about the possible erosion of the human rights and civil liberties of the citizens of the European Union in the context of embracing the regulations before the House. While I do not wish to minimise the extent of the threat in any way, I assure the House that if some Members who are now on the Government benches were in opposition, their blood pressure would rise immeasurably. I cannot believe they would be able to contain themselves on this side of the House, were a regulation of this nature to be introduced. I am amazed they have not spoken out on this issue or even done something about it. I hope the lure of the tent in Ballybrit is not so great as to completely emasculate their efforts in this regard and leave them in such a way that they are almost afraid to speak. However, I hope they will have a tent for themselves at Ballybrit. It would be only proper to have a tent, wigwam, igloo or something similar. Everyone should be accommodated in that tent and perhaps the Minister will state whether that is the intention.

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