Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

As I said on Second Stage, I support the Bill. The amendments I have tabled are an attempt to improve it. I fully respect the benefits of having these joint investigation teams and, as the Minister of State said, the cost is worthwhile.

However, I make these points at a time when our Garda force is under serious pressure and we have not provided for the additional resources that are needed to carry out these sometimes lengthy investigations. I am trying to ensure that the Garda Síochána is resourced so it can continue with the work it is required to do. While I am asking for the teams to be costed and for resources, my request is in order that the Garda force should not be depleted. We have requested additional gardaí, yet these extra members have not been forthcoming. If we do not cost these teams, we are doing ourselves and the public no favours by not ensuring that we have the resourced Garda force we need.