Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I thank him for his very complete responses on all the amendments tabled. I welcome the Bill and agree with its provisions. We are implementing EU law which provides a framework for many of the measures for combating crime. This Bill is one of the key instruments in the interception and retention of data. It is a means of detecting some of the most serious forms of crime.

I agree fundamentally with the provision in the Bill to prevent technicalities from undermining prosecutions such that they would not be allowed as a means of frustrating prosecution for the most serious forms of crime. The Bill is complete and I agree with the various measures therein. Much work has been done thereon in this House and in the Lower House. It is in a form that is fit for purpose.