Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I welcome many aspects of this reforming legislation. I thank the Minister and his officials for taking on board many issues which were raised by Opposition Senators and their counterparts on the Government benches. I am pleased that some Opposition amendments were accepted and other amendments were tabled on foot of proposals made by Opposition Senators. The Seanad had a good debate on the various provisions of the Bill, which was given a good hearing in the House. I thank the Minister and his officials for their work on this Bill. I thank the staff of the House, including the Clerk of the Seanad and those who report the debates, for their work during the year.

I expressed my concerns about security officers when the Minister of State was present in place of the Minister. I may have over-stated my worries in that regard, but I am concerned that complaints procedures have not been put in place in respect of the new types of officers, who will have significant powers, which are being introduced in this Bill. The rest of the Bill underpins the accountability of the Garda, but no such provisions are being introduced in respect of security officers. The Minister of State said that similar personnel are employed by airports and supermarkets, but I do not think it is a fair comparison because the security officers who will be employed under the Bill will be given State powers and legal backing. Gardaí rarely search people in the National Gallery or the Houses of the Oireachtas, but the new officers may use their powers of search often.