Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is regrettable that we have to bring this back every year, but it is necessary. That is the fundamental point. Let us take a picture today. The streets of Cork have been cordoned off because of the visit of Prince Charles. Why should they be cordoned off? It is because there is a potential threat. I support the motion. The importance of the Special Criminal Court is something we cannot dismiss. I will not pick a row, but Senator McFadden said it very well when she said a threat of violence still exists.

Senator Ó Donnghaile referred to the relics of the past. The relics of the past, to use his words, exist on one side but there are people who are dead and families who have been left without a loved one, as well as the men and women who served our State and protected all of us. That is the reality.

Some 200 new gardaí will pass out in Templemore tomorrow. The uniform they wear, including the badges they have on their lapels, is about protection and freedom. Today we must pay tribute to the men and women of An Garda Síochána and our Defence Forces. We have only one Army and we must always uphold the rule of law and the legitimacy and independence of our courts. That is why today is important. As we walk in a new Ireland, we recognise differing viewpoints. Some of us have to recognise that we were people who stood by the State and that is why we stand in this Chamber and the Lower House to pass the motion.

In his speech the Minister said, "There is a real and persistent threat from republican paramilitary groups, the so-called dissidents." That comes from an assessment of An Garda Síochána. I do not want to pick a row with Senator Ó Donnghaile but we know, based on our history and the modern world, what some dissidents are capable of doing, not just in our country but across the world. That is why we need the provisions being put forward today.

What will we do in 15 days, months or years time if a dissident threat becomes a reality, as happened with the bombing in Omagh, but the legislation has been removed from the Statute Book? What would happen? We may have mixed views about President Trump meeting the North Koreans in Singapore this week. What do we do in a world where dissidents kill? We expect the rule of law to be upheld. We expect juries, judges and prosecutions to operate in a fair and just manner and that is what this is about. I commend the Minister on bringing the motion forward.

I may not see the Minister again, and wish to commend him on what he will do in this Chamber and the Dáil next week regarding the apology to people from the LGBT community. It takes bravery to come into the House as a Minister and work with Members. In terms of the history of progressiveness in the Fine Gael Party and our country, it was the contribution of the Minister in Dáil Éireann on the Civil Partnership Bill that helped to shape minds in my party, for which I want to thank him. Some of us get some of the credit but it was that singular speech which brought many people on the journey which I am very proud to see today. We will have an apology next week, for which I want to thank the Minister.