Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members who contributed to the debate. It is important that issues like this are fully fleshed out in debate. It is a significant motion. Let us be quite honest about that. Senator Bacik made a point I was thinking of myself. On the one hand, the Garda Commissioner feels the provisions are necessary as part of the Garda armoury to ensure that gangland crime is dealt with, while on the other hand we can take significant comfort from the fact that no case has lately come before the Special Criminal Court. It proves more than anything else that the provisions will be used sparingly and that they have not been abused. It is very clear. If we were sitting here saying how good the legislation was having been used in 40 prosecutions, there might be something else to say. There is a comfort in realising that the use of the legislation is carefully considered and that there has not been a need to use it.

Resourcing the Garda involves more than simply providing recruits, vehicles or stations. It is also about providing the Garda with the legislative powers it requires to complete investigations and prosecutions. I take on board everything Senator Ó Clochartaigh is saying but what we are doing tonight has nothing to do with the recommendations he set out. This is a very clear, specific motion. We can argue the case on resources and stations at a different time but that is not what the motion is about. I commend the motion to the House.