Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Members who support these two motions. As I stated, a substantial threat from terrorist activity remains, particularly from paramilitary groups, and this warrants the continuance in force of these provisions. Deputy Mac Lochlainn has traditionally opposed these matters but I agree with and welcome his calling on those who are still committed to engaging in paramilitary terrorist activity to cease such activities.

I join in that call. Indeed, I have made the same call with great regularity. However, there is a contradiction in his recognising that we still have groups on this island who threaten to bring about murder and mayhem while denying the Garda the powers it requires to ensure it can deal with those groups. While I welcome what Deputy Mac Lochlainn had to say about those groups and their activities, I would suggest to him that is logically utterly and completely inconsistent to recognise that they exist, to recognise that the threat in Northern Ireland remains severe, to accept that they pose a threat to life and limb and then to say we should repeal powers that facilitate the Garda Síochána in bringing them to justice. I ask the Deputy not to approach this from an ideological perspective if we have to deal with this matter again next year. This is about protecting our community. It is about empowering our gardaí to do everything that is necessary to stop the type of murder and mayhem to which these individuals are committed.

Of course, it is also important that effective action can be taken, including legislative action, to maintain confidence in the prosecution and judicial processes. Criminal groups do pose a very real threat in this regard and the provisions of the 2009 Act are necessary in that context. We can all recall occasions on which witnesses withdrew evidence of a very serious nature in our courts when there was alleged intimidation. One of the basic fundamental rights of citizens of this State is the right to freely walk along the street, drive in their cars and engage in normal life without their lives being under threat. That is the most fundamental right. Citizens must be free to know they can get on with their lives without being murdered or having their quality of life destroyed by individuals intent on violence and mayhem. That is the most fundamental right to which I must have regard as Minister.

In the context of the dreadful atrocity of the Omagh bombings, I have met with the Omagh families. Perhaps if Deputy Mattie McGrath could resist the temptation to give me a kick every time he stands up-----

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