Ivana Bacik (Independent)

We are passing into law a novel offence with very little debate. I am concerned by the Minister of State's response, as he stated this measure will allow the Garda to anticipate the commission of public order offences. We have a presumption of innocence under the Constitution, on which the criminal justice system is premised. It would be a matter of some concern if the Garda could arrest people in anticipation of such people committing an offence. We have given powers to the Garda to prevent crime, which serves everybody's interests. However, this measure goes beyond what is normally permitted in the interests of the prevention of crime.