Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Fianna Fáil supports the extension of the provisions of the Offences against the State Act 1998 as outlined by the Minister of State. It appears from her statement that these provisions have been used multiple times. They are an essential tool for the Garda Síochána and the courts in dealing with this type of crime.

As stated by the Minister of State, the Offences against the State Act 1998 was a direct response to the Omagh atrocity. The threat of terrorism from dissident Republicans remains and the spectre of global terrorism is growing. We need to ensure the Garda Síochána and the justice system have the tools they require to fight this threat. It is important on this occasion that the Seanad join the Government in sending a clear message to terrorists and those who seek to cause damage that terrorism will not tolerated. We must ensure our law enforcement and justice systems have the powers to deal with it.

That Sinn Féin voted in the Dáil today against the continuation of these measures is shocking. It is noteworthy that a tweet by the leader of the Sinn Féin Party on his opposition to the Offences against the State Act 1998 has attracted international ridicule. It is the case that middle Ireland will never accept Sinn Féin when it votes against provisions of this type, provisions which are necessary to ensure ordinary citizens can live their daily lives.