Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I am disappointed that the Minister will not accept the amendment in principle, although I take his point that section 9 should not be included. I also take his point that it would require a similar amendment to section 17, as well as to section 18 which allows for a search warrant. It is set up as an exception to the general safeguard provided in section 15. I drafted the amendment as a result of proceedings on Committee Stage because I considered it was an important principle to be included in the Bill. It is to ensure the Director of Public Prosecutions would filter, make or contemplate a decision before the Garda Síochána would move to seek an arrest or a search warrant in respect of an acquitted person.