John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the House for giving time to consider this important amendment. As I said, there remains a substantial threat from terrorist activity, in particular dissident Republican paramilitary groups, which warrants the continuance in force of the provisions of the Act. The message needs to be sent loud and clear that the State will not bow to the self-serving interests of such individuals and will continue in its resolve to see them defeated.

Comments have been made that the Offences Against the State Acts have been destructive of life in the State. However, there would surely have been destruction of our society by terrorist groups if the provisions of the Offences Against the State Acts were not in force. The Government could not contemplate such a scenario, although I accept that it and our legislation must respect fundamental human rights. That is why the majority of Members of the Oireachtas recognise we have an independent judicial and courts system. However, the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Government have a responsibility to recognise and protect the human rights of all citizens. There is no greater human right than the right to life and the groups against which the 1998 and 2009 Acts are targeted are ones which have shown scant regard for this fundamental human right. I will not be put in the same bracket as such groups.