Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. I acknowledge the support of the two Opposition parties, as indicated by Senators Clifford-Lee and Mac Lochlainn, for this important legislation.

I am on the joint parliamentary scrutiny group on Europol. It is an extremely important developing role because crime is borderless and the best way of giving a society some chance of dealing with the scourge of crime that transcends all borders is by working together and having a seamless sharing of information. We see it in the Acting Chairman, Senator Wilson's part of the country with the developing protocols with the PSNI. That type of structure and protocols needs to be extended worldwide.

I would agree that it is a pity that this legislation is only becoming before us now. That said, better late than not at all.It will help in the resolution of crime, not just in this country but in our neighbours as well. Brexit is an important consideration. The British authorities have made it clear that when it comes to security and sharing of information, they are at one. At the latest meeting in Brussels of the joint parliamentary scrutiny group of Europol, the Commissioner for home affairs, Julian King, a former British ambassador to Ireland, spoke at length about how his country is committed, post Brexit, to putting whatever suite of measures is necessary in place to deal with the scourge of crime, especially the new developing online crime. I believe that will happen and it is very welcome. It is good that this Bill is passing all Stages today. It will hopefully leave the Seanad with a unanimous seal of approval.