Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will not use all of my allotted time.

My party supports the continued operation of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act, as I have done every year in this House. We brought that in at a time of terrible strife in this country. It was done at a time when we thought we would have uninterrupted peace but, sadly, peace did not last. Unfortunately, there are still people who do not accept the message, who are not with the programme and are intent on killing, maiming and kidnapping. These people are very much involved in oil laundering, diesel laundering and smuggling. They conduct so-called businesses all along the Border area between this State and the North of Ireland.

We introduced the Act in response to the Omagh bombing. The State must remain vigilant in the face of a continuous threat posed by dissident republicans who refuse to recognise the legality of this State which is provided for in the Constitution. My party supports the motion. The Minister has outlined the various sections that have been used. As one can see, they have used on many occasions and, therefore, it is important that this legislation is maintained. We should consider permanently keeping the provisions in legislation. I do not consider many of the provisions to be extraordinary when one must deal with terrorists. We should not have to return here every year to renew them. It feels like we must almost apologise for doing so, but I make no apology. We are here to pass the legislation and long may it last. Long may the gardaí and their colleagues in the Police Service of Northern Ireland continue to do their job.