Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all regret that this has taken so long and has been ongoing for a number of years. Other member states that have already introduced legislation in their jurisdictions based on the clarifications I just mentioned have had to change that legislation again. It is important that when we introduce and pass our legislation, it is the best it can be and that it provides absolute clarity for An Garda Síochána to allow it to do its work. That is our intention. The Bill is well advanced at this stage. The ruling next year will be important and we will incorporate it in the legislation. We have asked for this particular clarification so, hopefully, it will answer our questions to allow us to finalise this work.

The Deputy mentioned social media and other areas. One of the other parliamentary questions is about white-collar crime and other powers for An Garda Síochána. We are bringing forward other legislative measures which allow for arrest warrants, especially for digital devices, and other supports to allow the Garda to do its job to the best of its ability. It is important that we introduce and implement this legislation as quickly as possible and provide support to the Garda. It already does wonderful work, but it would benefit from this additional support.

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