James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I listened carefully to Deputy Ó Laoghaire and the other contributors. It is important to highlight there is a common and shared objective, namely, to bring persons involved in the execution and enforcement of court orders, including orders for repossession, within the definition of "security service". It requires licensing under section 2 of the Private Security Services Act. The Government will not oppose the Bill and is not opposed to the principle underlying it. The case for bringing legal certainty to this situation is undoubtedly clear. The Government hopes to be in a position to publish its own Bill shortly with a view to its enactment as early as possible in 2021.

I acknowledge the various concerns expressed by Deputies about matters which we will ensure are considered in the ongoing preparation of the Bill. Several examples have been given and, like all the Deputies, I am only too familiar with localised examples of where this situation has caused serious distress and concern. As some Deputies mentioned, it has upset people’s dignity and sense of right.

I agree with the sentiment expressed by Deputy Howlin on style. When I was practising as barrister, I recall being in court for almost 45 minutes participating in a debate over the meaning that a semicolon gave to the first part of a sentence.

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