Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank all Senators for their thoughtful contributions to the debate. In an ideal world this type of legislation would not be necessary. However, as long as there are individuals and groups who are bent on usurping the democratic institutions of this jurisdiction, the State must have the means at its disposal to protect its institutions. We know from bitter experience that these organisations have very few qualms, if any, as to the methods they will employ in the furtherance of their aims.

As I indicated in my opening remarks, we are now also confronted by international terrorism, particularly in the form of Islamic terrorism. On 11 March 2004, Europe learned a hard lesson when 200 innocent commuters going about their daily business were murdered in Madrid, with many hundreds more being injured.

The Criminal Justice (Terrorism) Act 2005 was enacted last March to deal with this international terrorist threat by enabling the application of the Offences against the State Acts against international terrorist groups and individuals. Although I do not wish to be in any way alarmist, it would be naive of anyone to think that Ireland does not need to have at its disposal the instruments necessary to fight international terrorism.

As regards the Good Friday Agreement, Senators will be aware that following the elections in the North of Ireland and in Britain, renewed efforts are now being made at a high level to overcome the well known obstacles to progress. Both Governments are anxious to make headway with the ultimate goal of promoting the full implementation of the agreement. However, notwithstanding the much hoped for progress in the peace process, the fact remains that it will not impact in the slightest on those groups which have never acknowledged the legitimacy of the democratically expressed wishes of the people of Ireland, North and South.

As is evident from the report laid before the Houses by the Minister, the provisions of the 1998 Act remain actively in use and are yielding results. Equally, the Garda Síochána is clearly adopting a balanced and reasoned approach to the powers at its disposal. As the Garda authorities themselves state, the 1998 Act is regularly used and has proven to be a vital piece of legislation in the continuing fight against terrorism.

I join with all colleagues in this House in looking forward to a time when the Act will no longer be required. Unfortunately, however, that day has clearly not yet arrived. In the meantime, the State must use all legitimate means to respond to the dissident paramilitary threat.