David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to the House for its consideration of these two motions this evening and thank Members for their contributions. Naturally, I welcome the support expressed for continuing these provisions in force.I appreciate the shared commitment that exists in the House to ensure that a robust legal framework is in place for the Garda and courts to deal with the most serious of offences that may threaten the State and the operation of the criminal justice system. As we know, the Garda deploys very considerable operational resources to tackle terrorism and serious organised crime in the State. We, as legislators, must provide it with the necessary means in law to do so.

I am sure we all wish the circumstances were otherwise and laws such as these were not needed. However, the sad reality is that until conditions allow, these provisions are a necessary addition to the general criminal law. I again commend the motion to the House.