Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I apologise for missing most of his contribution but I was present for the concluding part. I wish to express my strong objection to the amendment before the House and I was glad to hear the Minister of State indicate it will not be accepted. The phrase "data protection" is nice but protection of citizens and their security and that of the State is what the legislation is about. As a result of the tragic experience on this island and elsewhere across the globe, we are aware of what happens when there is a lack of co-operation between security forces and agencies in the context of dealing with increasingly prevalent and sophisticated terrorist threats. We should be in no way apologetic about putting in place the measures and means required at whatever level to keep citizens, society and our country safe. I am glad the Minister of State is not accepting the amendment. I often clash politically - not personally - with my friends from the Sinn Féin Party and I must inform them that we cannot even consider accepting the amendment because it would lead to a significant undermining of the necessary legislative base that is required to enhance and improve security and deal with the ever-increasing threat of terrorism in all its forms.