Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I compliment the Minister of State on his presentation. The Labour Party accepts and supports the need for the legislation following the atrocity of the Omagh bombing. We also accept there is still a threat to our democracy from the Continuity IRA and the Real IRA, in particular. While I agree it is important that this emergency legislation should be monitored and revisited annually, at the same time, we must get to the stage where such legislation is no longer required. There are concerns regarding the length of time that has passed since the legislation was introduced as an emergency measure and the conviction of only one person under it.

There is a need for a more comprehensive review of the principal Act and the implementation of the report on it, mentioned by the Minister of State. While I reiterate our support for the continuation of this legislation, it is important that we should revert to legislation that reflects a stable and peaceful society, which largely is the case in Ireland except among minorities which do not want peace.