Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I am inclined to support the amendment. I tabled a similar amendment on Committee Stage on which we had a good deal of discussion. I do not wish to rehash the points made, other than to say Deputy Ó Snodaigh makes a reasonable point, which was made in correspondence Members received from the Irish Human Rights Commission. Notwithstanding what the Minister said in the earlier discussion of the matter, I do not see any harm in the amendment or how it would detract from the import of the legislation in any event. It is important that the definition be extended, as outlined in the amendment. Where is the harm in it or what is the downside of the amendment? The Minister will say the amendment is either, at best, unnecessary, or, at worst, damaging. I am inclined to support the amendment on the basis of the points made to us, with particular reference to clearing up any doubt as to what surveillance might mean.

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