Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

From my understanding of the Bill, I do not believe it confers the capacity on a preclearance officer to engage in strip searching, as Senator Ryan described. That said, his amendment is a good idea because it addresses our concerns, raised on Second Stage, regarding the fact that the powers of the preclearance officer will be quite extensive. Those powers will be wielded under the terms of what is in effect diplomatic immunity. My understanding of the thrust of Senator Ryan's amendment is that it will ensure the power of the preclearance officer can only be wielded in the presence of an official of the Irish State. The amendment will improve the operation of the Bill on the ground and I support it for that reason.