Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I agree with Senator Regan, in that a specific purpose of this kind would be useful, particularly as the legislation is being introduced with the express purpose of dealing with organised crime. I told the Senator that I am not sure about whether the word "gangland" is the most appropriate for use in criminal legislation. We all know what it means, but it has a tabloid or, unfortunately, sensationalising effect, despite the grubby and sordid nature of the crime, which has led to dreadful and tragic deaths. A specific purpose to investigate and-or gather intelligence on organised crime, a better way of putting it, would be useful because this is the political reason for the legislation's introduction.

The practice in the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007 of using valid and justified concerns about organised crime to widen nets is unfortunate, as laws that have changed criminal procedures for all types of offence have been introduced. Under this Bill, arrestable offences are not confined to organised or gang crime only. The criminal courts are showing flaws in the 2006 and 2007 legislation. We must be cautious about the scope of legislation such as this Bill being overly broad. In terms of gangland or organised crime, a more specific purpose would be helpful for the Garda, since investigating and-or gathering intelligence on that type of crime is what the Bill was meant to be concerned with.