Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the passage of the Bill through both Houses. I congratulate the Minister, his staff and the officials in his Department on the major work done in respect of this legislation. There are a number of areas of the Bill that are quite technical in nature and in respect of which serious consideration was required. The drafting process relating to the legislation has been excellent.

We need to ensure there are no boundaries in the European Union in respect of the freezing, confiscation or forfeiture of materials. The service of documents will become easier as a result of the passage of this legislation, which also will be of assistance in combating serious crime in the EU.