Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

): As I stated on Committee Stage, in many cases strategy documents are produced without a legislative base. I do not believe it is appropriate to place such a strict requirement in a particular statute. I believe a flexible approach is more appropriate.

The Garda Síochána policing plan sets out, as a priority, the protection of the security of the State and its citizens against domestic and international terrorism and goes into great detail in terms of how domestic and international security can be maintained. It is also the case that my departmental strategy statement, which covers a three year period, contains commitments in regard to maintaining a secure and peaceful society.

Senator Bacik will be aware that an anti-money laundering compliance unit has been established in my Department. This unit will have supervisory and monitoring responsibilities in regard to money laundering in respect of the sectors where there are no other supervisory bodies. I can assure Senators that it is my intention to ensure that the strategy relevant to anti-money laundering controls in the sectors for which the unit of my Department will have responsibility will be reflected in our next strategy statement which will be published in 2011 to cover up to 2013. I also point out that there is a requirement in section 56 of the Bill for every competent authority, namely, every supervisory body, covered by the legislation to include in any annual report published by it an account of the activities that it has carried out in performing its functions under the legislation.

I suggest the Senator's amendment is not necessary.