Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I made it clear on Committee Stage that preclearance officers will not be allowed to carry any weapons in the preclearance area. The use of any type of weapon by preclearance officers was entirely rejected by the Irish negotiating team during the preclearance discussions. We were specific and clear on the matter and that was agreed. It was made clear beyond doubt in the agreement that security within the preclearance area would be provided by the Garda Síochána.

The intention behind this amendment is to make it explicit in the legislation that the US officers will not be allowed to possess firearms in the course of exercising any function under the legislation. However, in their wording of the amendment the Senators might actually be causing problems in this regard. By confining the prohibition in the amendment specifically to firearms, it could be read by implication to infer that the preclearance officers have a right to carry other types of weapons, which is clearly not the intent of the Senators. In trying to make explicit something I have already clarified to be part of the agreement the Senators are opening a door to allow for other types of weapons to be used by preclearance officers. It creates that doubt.

I accept what Senators have said and I hope they will accept my response on this matter. I cannot accept the amendment but, to give due regard to the Senators' intent in the amendment, I hope they will accept an assurance that, between now and Committee Stage in the Dáil, I will examine the matter further and perhaps propose an amendment to deal with it.