Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I thank everyone who spoke on the motion, particularly Senators Jim Walsh, Minihan, Kett, Mansergh, Tuffy and Brian Hayes for their support. I thank Senator Brian Hayes for seconding the motion.

I have taken note of various points made during the course of the debate which I will discuss with the Minister and the Garda Síochána. These include: the question of dissident terrorists trying to recruit people in universities and other third level institutions: the fact that the Criminal Assets Bureau should pay more attention to paramilitary organisations that have moved into different areas of crime; the feasibility of a truth and reconciliation commission; the use of the Act against other types of crime; and the use of similar legislation against external threats.

I join Senator Mansergh in congratulating the Garda on its wonderful success in combating dissident terrorist activity since the Omagh tragedy. Senator Brian Hayes referred to the situation in my area, about which he is correct. The information available to me from the Garda is that the Continuity IRA is supplying awesome weaponry to a gang on a particular side of that feud. It is only as a result of the vigilance and good intelligence available to the Garda in Limerick, supported by the emergency response unit, that a number of appalling tragedies have been averted. I congratulate the members of the Garda Síochána who are doing a magnificent job in very difficult circumstances.

I thank the House for its unanimous support in allowing the Government to continue these provisions as and from 30 June. Like Senator Tuffy, I look forward to the day when we will no longer have to use such legislation, but, unfortunately, that day has not yet arrived.

Question put and agreed to.