Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I take the Senator's explanation of the intention and thinking behind the amendment. I take it that the Senator is not opening the wider question of the removal from the jurisdiction of a prisoner for questioning. However, on the narrow question, the Garda Síochána is the primary investigative authority in the State. Furthermore, some investigative authorities, such as the Office for Corporate Enforcement, have gardaí on their staff. The request to question a prisoner must be made through the Garda. Therefore, the amendment is superfluous since the request from an investigating body in another state, which wishes to investigate or question a person in Ireland, must come to the Garda. They cannot arrive at the gate of the prison and open the latch themselves.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment No. 8 not moved.