Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

On my own behalf and on behalf of my officials, who have dealt with this matter so efficiently, I thank Members for their kind words.

The Bill has been a long time coming. It arises out of a 1997 report and was first published in 2001. Since becoming Minister I have regarded its passage as a priority, although it may seem otherwise. It is not simply that this sector needs regulation. There is a real and present danger that security functions are being abused by malign sectors of our society to act as extortionists and blackmailers in certain circumstances. Therefore, its passage is a matter of considerable urgency. When the matter was finally brought before the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, I indicated that I regarded its passage as a priority for my term of office. I have put considerable emphasis on having the Bill enacted.

Senators Tuffy and Terry have both remarked that they wish to be sure the Bill is effective. I share their wish. If the Bill is found to be ineffective I will not hesitate to act quickly to remedy any defects in it. It has been thoroughly debated in both Houses and has been carefully scrutinised by my officials to make sure it works. Significant amendments have been made to the Bill as it went through the legislative process and I must now bring the amendments made by this House to the Dáil for its early approval so the Bill can become law.

The point has been made on a number of occasions that the resourcing of the authority, especially in the preliminary stages, is a matter of significance. That is a point with which I agree. I have stated in both Houses that the legislation will be implemented on a phased basis, starting at the point where it is most necessary to make early progress, so the new authority is not overwhelmed by a mass of documentation that suffocates it completely and prevents it from getting on with the work.

The Bill will significantly transform the security industry. It will prevent the small minority of participants from damaging the image of the industry and its standards. It is important legislation.

I thank Members for their co-operative and reflective debate on this measure. I join them in expressing the hope, not only that it will be passed very soon but that it will be implemented with equal dispatch.