Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully support the extension of the provisions of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, as outlined in the motion proposed. The severe threat posed by subversives in Northern Ireland, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, has been outlined. It is clear from the many instances mentioned by the Minister of State that there is the same threat in this state. The Garda must be given the tools it needs to deal with it. I compliment the Garda and the Defence Forces which have defended the State since its foundation. Many members of the Garda and the Army have lost their lives while fighting the threat of subversives in the State. It is disgusting to hear Sinn Féin's mealy-mouthed excuses for its decision not to support the motion. However, I welcome the condemnation of dissidents that comes from it. I am glad that the word "condemn" has come back into its vocabulary because it was missing for quite a long time. It would be better if it supported these measures in the House. That would show it truly believes in giving the Garda and the Army the powers necessary to protect the State from attacks by subversives. I fully support the motion.

I thank Opposition Senators, including the Fianna Fáil spokesman, Senator Thomas Byrne, who have expressed stout support for the extension of the provisions of this Act. Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party have stood together in protecting the institutions of the State. I am glad to see we are standing together to protect the State once more.