Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

One is not obliged to take into account either my comments or those of the Garda Commissioner to the Government on the necessity for these changes. One need only listen to statements on RTE by people such as the Limerick State solicitor, Mr. Michael Murray. Anyone who missed his appearance on "The Week in Politics" should listen to his comments in respect of what is going on regarding the intimidation of juries in Limerick and other issues to which he referred. Moreover, during the Second Stage debate, two Deputies from this side of the House, namely, the Minister for Defence, Deputy Willie O'Dea, and the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Power, were absolutely adamant about the necessity for this legislation on the basis of their own personal knowledge. They stated that their constituents were coming to their clinics in fear, having received a summons regarding jury service in the Limerick area. Undoubtedly, other Deputies from the Limerick area would be able to provide similar testimony.

This legislation is absolutely necessary. It is necessary to pass the legislation before the House rises in order that, coupled with the surveillance legislation, the Garda Síochána can have the tools to bring these people to justice. I refer to the sentiments Members expressed in November 2008 after the shameful murder of Shane Geoghegan. Subsequently, a relation of someone who gave evidence as a witness in a trial was murdered four years after the event. Does anyone for a minute suggest that those involved in organised crime gangs would make any distinction between a witness and a juror? It would be utterly naïve for anyone to suggest this of such gangs, particularly in respect of the new offences proposed in this Bill. I refer to the offence of directing, which pertains to the very people who do not pull the trigger but who direct patsies to shoot people on orders. When referring to the awful killing of Shane Geoghegan during the Second Stage debate, the Minister, Deputy Willie O'Dea, suggested the attackers even had a doubt as to the identity of the person they were killing, which demonstrates the level to which such people will go.

I repeat to Members that the Government does not take this matter lightly. However, it believes its measures are proportionate and reasonable. I have no doubt but that it will make the prosecution of criminal gangs easier. I believe it will do what Deputies such as Deputy Gilmore and others eloquently stated in the House on occasion on the necessity to take those measures that Members might not tolerate in normal times.

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