Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

It is interesting that I keep hearing the refrain that this is legislation that the former justice Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern had prepared. To be fair to him, he commenced the process as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform but the Bill was by no means complete or in adequate form when I became Minister. Substantial work had to be undertaken both within the Department of Justice and Equality and by the Attorney General's office to bring the legislation to a point where it could be published and debated in this House.

In that context, I have no major interest in who is responsible for the Bill. Ultimately, the important issue is that the Bill be enacted, for the very reason to which the Deputy referred. Although, as Minister, I cannot have direct conversation with the DPP about this, I assume the reason some witnesses have not been interviewed is because they are witnesses, not people suspected of being engaged in offences. Our current law is such that unless people who are witnesses volunteer to give information to An Garda Síochána, there is no mechanism available to require them to discuss issues.

This legislation will do what the DPP says he requires it to do in the very public speech he delivered, from which I quoted an extract. It would provide for the first time a mechanism whereby people can be required to assist the Garda with inquiries in matters of serious white collar crime because they are witnesses who have something of value to provide by way of documentary or oral assistance, or by way of access to material maintained by way of a computer process. It is of crucial importance in this regard.

What I said in 2009 was extremely prescient. I was concerned that this area was not being given adequate attention by the Government. We are now two years further on and the investigation has not been able to be completed. We have taken the action necessary to put the required legislation in place.

See this speech in context