Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the House for taking the time to consider this most important matter. As I have said, there remains a substantial threat from terrorist activity.I note what Senator Norris has said regarding the threat in Northern Ireland, which is rated as severe. Sometimes that can go out of the public consciousness but the Senator gave us a useful reminder of that situation. The message needs to be loud and clear that the State will not bow to the self-serving interests of such individuals and that our resolve to see them defeated will not diminish. These offences are subject to trial in court and any accused person has recourse to legal representation and the protection of the legal process.

I thank Senator Byrne for the support he has shown for the motion and note the point he made about permanence. These are robust measures which, as Senator Bacik noted, are not used in the normal course of criminal law. We must be conscious of the severe threat that persists in Northern Ireland and there is an ongoing need for these robust measures. The annual review of provisions is part of the process of achieving a balance in the legislation. I commend the motion to the House.