Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Minister's decision to shift the balance by giving powers to the courts and Garda to ensure those who are guilty of offences are held to account. Mindful of transgressions made in the past, it is vital that safeguards are in place to ensure these additional powers are not abused in any way by a small minority. Where a person concocts a statement or engages in other behaviour which incriminates a person, he or she should be exposed to a sentence equivalent to the maximum sentence available for the offence for which he or she has sought to incriminate a person who may be innocent. I have in mind some of the incidents which took place in County Donegal and elsewhere.

Although no such provision will be included in the Bill, we need to ensure deterrents are in place to discourage anyone, whether a member of the Garda Síochána or others, from abusing the additional powers provided for in the legislation. I hope such deterrents will be included in legislation at some point.