Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister to the House, to which he is a frequent visitor. I am sure Members will concur with me when I compliment him on initiating much of his legislation in this House.

This Bill is one of the most significant we are likely to have during the Government's term. It is very comprehensive and goes to the core of how we regulate society. Senator Terry's comments about gardaí investigating themselves indicates a total distrust of the Garda which is unjustified. The Garda Síochána has served this country tremendously well in the regulation of society and through difficult periods in the past 80 years. As an unarmed force, it displays tremendous courage in ensuring the protection of society and investigating paramilitaries and professional criminal organisations, often at serious risk to themselves. We should recognise that and be grateful for it.