Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy McDowell, on the introduction of this Bill. It is important legislation, particularly in an era when terrorist offences are more common than people would desire. Only earlier this week there was a bombing in Madrid. It is important that this type of framework for co-operation between states is put in place. I am a member of the sub-committee on the Barron report and I am aware that practically no co-operation has been received from the British authorities in respect of the inquiries into the terrible atrocities that occurred here in the early 1970s. Anything which places a greater onus on states, and which does so in a structured way, is welcome.

I compliment the Minister of State on this Bill and on the large volume of other legislation emanating from his Department.