Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

There has been considered debate on the legislation. More than 11 hours have been provided for the consideration of the legislation and it will be given further consideration in the Upper House. Recently, I read through the transcripts covering a situation where we considered the immediacy and necessity of introducing legislation such as this. It would be a dereliction of our duty if, for example, we allowed something happen between now and the return of the House, because a person can be charged only under the legislation that has been enacted at the time. If we want to see the activation of this legislation along with the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill to deal with these issues, it is prudent the House considers and passes it today.

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