Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Tacaím leis an mBille. As the Minister will know from our approach in the Lower House, Sinn Féin supports this legislation, which, as our colleagues have rightly said and the Minister has acknowledged, is complex. It is important, however, that we have a uniform approach to it in this House as it progresses given its significance and importance.

I agree with the remarks of my colleague, Senator Clifford-Lee, on the delay. It is my understanding that the deadline for the implementation of this legislation was 2011. It is disappointing that it has taken so long, regardless of its complexity or otherwise.

There are bespoke arrangements necessary given the experience of the legal system across this island and between these islands. The Minister will know there are a number of well-known and controversial cases in Britain. I am curious, not least within the context of Brexit but regardless of whether Brexit occurs, to know the current arrangements that exist between Britain and Ireland and the North and the South. Are there plans to deal with some of the anomalies and complexities where they present themselves in respect of probation?