Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to take a firm stand against this extremely significant amendment. While Sinn Féin is not opposed to measures that protect the security of the State, the proposal is very wide-ranging in scope. I cannot see how such a decision would even be appealed. I also do not think it is appropriate to propose such an amendment at this Stage given the significant and profound change involved. We have expressed concern about the increased powers provided to the Minister since the introduction of the Bill and that entire approach has been informed by the Mahon tribunal report. We are very concerned at the scope of the power it is proposed to give the Minister and the appeals process. Given the significant scale of the proposed amendment, Sinn Féin will not support it.