Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank her for giving of her time. Every time I look at the television monitor, I see her speaking in one of the Chambers. She is an exceptionally busy Tánaiste and Minister.

I have read these proposals and the amendments, which I think are measured, balanced and appropriate. This is a balancing act and the measure has to be appropriate but the Minister is tough on crime and I salute her for that. She is known to be tough on crime, which is important because that is what the people want. Crime comes in many guises, as Senator Craughwell said, and it is always difficult to keep ahead of the pace, given there are so many ways of dodging justice and the law. The Garda and those who work against criminal activity want to be supported in their work. It needs to be supported from the top down - from the Minister down - and I have no doubt about the Minister's commitment. Therefore, this measure is particularly appropriate.

It is worth noting that there are safeguards, as there must be with any legislation. The ability to apply to the courts to have an authorisation removed or amended and to make a case is appropriate, which is what I mean by an appropriate and a fair response. It is not just a catch-all situation because people have recourse to the law. Communities across this city, county and country are ravaged by crime and criminal activity, be it with regard to drugs, smuggling, prostitution or a whole range of crimes. Many people are hooked into crime who do not give their full consent or who are not even fully aware how they are hooked into criminal activity.

This is a good measure which, as I said, is fair and appropriate. I will be fully supporting the Minister in this regard.