Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

We are all agreed that one of the challenges of this sustained period of peace on our island is complacency. We cannot assume that it will always be this way. For this reason, Fianna Fáil will be supporting renewal of this legislation. The Minister outlined seven incidents, all of which were serious and had the capacity to maim, damage or, in some instances, result in mass murder. I presume the incidents outlined are only a selection of those which have taken place during the past 12 months. The potential to cause huge damage to human rights and the identity of this country remains a threat. As recently as last week, there were further incidents.

There have been cuts to the budgets of the Garda Síochána and Police Service of Northern Ireland. It is hoped there will be a continued ringfencing of the budget in this area and that the maximum possible resources, along with the co-operation referred to by the Minister, are being invested to ensure these laws are implemented. Fianna Fáil supports the continuance of this legislation.

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