Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for initiating this legislation in the Seanad. It is always a good day for the Seanad when a Minister deems it fit and appropriate to do so. I encourage other Ministers to avail of that opportunity as Dáil time can be stretched and vying for slots for it can be competitive. We are always happy to initiate legislation here, particularly in the justice area.

This Bill gives effect to an important component of the Lisbon treaty which we all worked hard in a difficult campaign to get over the line. I welcome Senator O’Donovan’s constructive comments on the Bill. The House is united in countering terrorism and eliminating the threat it poses. If the need for this was more cogently evident, it is what is going on around the world now. We see the degrading beheading of aid workers who went to conflict zones wearing their hearts on their sleeves and with no agenda but to help people. This is something ordinary citizens cannot comprehend.

As a society, we have a responsibility to our citizens to ensure we equip An Garda Síochána and our Army to deal with these types of scenarios. Unfortunately, the world is increasingly becoming a very dangerous place. Terrorism knows no boundaries and certainly does not respect them. While this country is reasonably terrorism-free, it does not mean it will continue. We had a troubled history up until a decade ago when incredible acts of terrorism were committed by Irish people against Irish people. Thankfully, that is resolving itself.

The world is becoming a global village. Recruitment of citizens and young people to foreign terrorist groups can occur through Facebook and the Internet. This did not exist 20 years ago and precautions now need to be taken to prevent it. At least, an offence will be created for recruiting for terrorism, even if it is just an attempt. The measures proposed in this legislation are timely and important. I agree, however, with Senator O’Donovan’s sentiment that it might not go far enough. When the Minister, her advisers and officials feel it is appropriate to firm up and amend terrorism legislation, this House will be very open to initiating any further measures required to do so. Every Member has zero tolerance of terrorism or the conditions that will create an environment that will allow it flourish, even to a tiny degree. While we always have to be cautious, if it is necessary to make such legislation more punitive, then we would open to doing so. I look forward to the speedy passage of this Bill through the House and I sincerely hope it will get the unanimous backing of Seanad Éireann.