Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Notwithstanding the guillotining of the Bill on Second Stage, there was a good discussion, albeit rushed, on many of the concerns about this legislation. We teased out many of the issues and there was better understanding as a result. If ever proof was needed that it is unwise to rush legislation of this type, it is evidenced here today. Once explanations are given and issues are elaborated on and teased out, there can be a greater meeting of minds in this House.

There are motions from Fine Gael on the Seanad Order Paper dating back to 18 November 2008 on the killing of Shane Geoghegan, the 17th gangland murder victim, and we called for action by the Minister and the type of Bill before the House today. That is the reason Fine Gael supported this Bill but we wanted to deal with the concerns about the safeguards that are necessary for this type of legislation.

I made the point earlier, and I believe the Minister recognises its validity, that legislation on its own is not sufficient. We need to ensure that the Garda has the resources and the technology to fight organised and gangland crime. We need prisons also which can accommodate the effect of this legislation and other law enforcement measures.

Given the number of criminal law Bills we have dealt with in recent weeks and the extent to which they refer to a host of other Bills, if ever there was a time to have codification of the criminal legislation it is now. I recommend that to the Minister.

I appreciate the Minister has spent a long time in the House today-----