Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I did. Those of us who saw the RUC or, even worse, the B-Specials from a distance were fearful of them. However, when we came closer to them as individuals we found that they were people with whom we could deal, with whom we had a good relationship and who were fine policemen in many instances. The more we can get people from the North to meet, co-operate with and get to know people from the South, the better the chance we have of being able to achieve success in the Good Friday Agreement.

This Bill is a further positive step towards combating crime in Ireland and will prove to be a further step towards combating it in Europe in the future. I welcome the huge steps that have already taken place. It may well be that there will be amendments to the Bill but none jumps out at me. The Bill is worthwhile and I support it and wish the Minister every success in making sure that the recommendations of the Patten Commission are implemented.