Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Government will introduce its own Bill. Whilst I respect the fact that Deputy Rabbitte has put forward a Bill for consideration, which can be taken in Private Members' time if the Labour Party so wishes, we would not agree with aspects of it. I understand there is a provision for freedom of information in the Bill that Deputy Rabbitte has prepared, and there are other things with which I would not be in agreement. While I understand the motivation behind that idea, it would be fraught with operational difficulties.

The covert surveillance Bill has been in preparation in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for some time. It has yet to be completed, considered by the Government and brought before this House. It was important yesterday, however, to bring to the attention of the House that the legislation is in preparation. Much important legislation has been passed, including the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007, which has proven to be good and effective. We will keep all these matters under review and will be guided by the Garda Commissioner were he to advise us of the necessity for changes to other aspects of the law. That is not the case at the moment, however, although we do keep these matters under review.

See this speech in context