Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

This is comprehensive legislation that deals with major crimes involving firearms, drugs offences and anti-social behaviour, among other things. It is an attempt, as the Minister said, to make the criminal law more effective. We all realise that Ireland is changing day by day. As such, our laws will have to be kept under constant review to keep ahead of the activities of the criminals. I am confident the Bill will assist the Garda in dealing with major crimes. Our attempt is to make the punishment fit those crimes and the Bill is a good day's work in that regard.

I join the Minister in complimenting his officials. The Bill, with over 200 sections, must have presented major headaches. I also compliment the Bills Office and all the staff involved. We have worked long hours on the Bill. Above all, I thank the Minister. He has played an important part and taken a hands-on approach to the Bill. We thank him for accepting so many amendments, which is unprecedented. The Minister is prepared to accept a good idea that will improve legislation, irrespective of from what side of the House it comes. On behalf of my party, I thank him for accepting the amendments.

Let us hope the Bill achieves what we have set out to achieve, namely, to give the Garda and all right-thinking people the tools to combat the criminals who are prevalent throughout the country and commit heinous crimes on a daily basis.