Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I have no intention of seeking to repeal the Offences Against the State Act. The Deputy knows the remaining and continuing threat from what are sometimes referred to as dissident organisations. I regard them as urban terrorists intent on destroying the peace process in Northern Ireland and on the whole island of Ireland. This State needs to have available to it the mechanism of the Offences Against State Act to deal with those intent on murder and mayhem for their perceived political reasons on the island of Ireland. We also need it for gangland crime. Deputy Calleary was correct to raise the events of the past few days, when we saw horrific and barbaric murders in the context of those engaged in organised crime, primarily in the drug area. We need to ensure that the Garda Síochána has all legislative backup required to address this area. On occasions, prosecutions are brought where it is not necessary to utilise the provisions of the Offences Against the State Act. I presume the Deputy welcomes this. The manner in which the legislation has been amended and extended, to apply not only to our recalcitrant militant terrorists but also organised crime, is an important backup in the armoury available to the Garda Síochána and the facility to enable certain cases to be held in the Special Criminal Court. This is important in circumstances where a jury could be otherwise intimidated and justice may not result when appropriate prosecutions are taken.

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