Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister's comments in this regard, including his promise to consider the matter. I agree fully with him that serious moral questions arise in this regard. Some diverse views were expressed in Canada during the controversial and broad debate on this issue there. Witness protection programmes are absolutely essential in the fight against crime. We need to do everything we can to assist the investigative authorities so they can catch the heads of the gangs, who can be very difficult to pinpoint and bring to justice. I am concerned that if we leave the legislation as it is, we might cause the Garda to discontinue its attempts to infiltrate gangs. The infiltration of a gang is a high-risk business for any garda. Those who get involved in such activity put themselves at great personal danger and risk. If the infiltration of gangs is to be part of the Garda's armoury in fighting organised crime, as it should be, gardaí need to be allowed to gain an element of credibility among those they are infiltrating. If it is to be effective, gardaí must be seen to go along with the organisations' activities at a certain level. In Canada, which I have mentioned, the line has been drawn in a certain place — members of the police force are not allowed to get involved in murder, bodily harm, rape and sexual assault, etc. Perhaps it needs to be broader than that. Given that some serious questions have to be raised in this area, I am glad the Minister has agreed to give it some consideration. I am sure there would have to be a fairly thorough debate in both Houses before the Minister could enact legislation in this regard.