Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I am grateful to the Minister of State for his answer. My reason for asking the question was not just with regard to whether it was a departure from the norm. I am sure the Minister of State can envisage a scenario where a garda on his or her own, although given the right by this legislation to arrest someone without a warrant, may face more than one person.

There could be a potential conflict as, after all, if the garda is contemplating arrest the individuals are in breach of the law. Can the Minister of State reassure the House that this power, while it will be included in the Bill, will be used in a very practical way? I would hate to see a situation where a member of the Garda Síochána might be subjected to any form of physical abuse as a result of having the right to execute an arrest in these circumstances.