Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Is it true that the situation is similar to that in England? As I understand it, the practice in Northern Ireland, England and Wales, is that the equivalent bodies have this power. The Minister of State referred to operational experience - I think that was the term he used - of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission but the Garda Síochána must gain operational experience in the area of surveillance, particularly covert surveillance, if it is to work effectively. On that basis I fail to understand the rationale for not making this facility, which would be used only in very exceptional cases by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. Nevertheless, the fact that the facility is available would act as a major deterrent against abuse and would be an additional safeguard in the Bill, which is warranted.