Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I echo some of Deputy McAuliffe's remarks, particularly earlier, when he referred to the potential response that the State, that the citizenry of the State, might have made a number of decades ago had referendums been put to them as regards the manner in which courts may have dealt with criminality, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. It is something to reflect on and something I think all of us reflect on when these debates come up every summer. However, I support a motion that seeks to underpin how the State seeks justice against some of the most dangerous criminals in this country, whose sole aim is to bring disorder, criminality, violence and fear to our society. I am and have continued to be unequivocal in my support for the Special Criminal Court and the work it carries out in order to uphold the security and safety of the State. I am very proud to represent Fine Gael, which is a party that has stood on the side of justice and law and order for many decades.

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