Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. The reason we are here is, unfortunately, another example of the fallout from Brexit - a fallout following more than 40 years of co-operation that has seen our nearest neighbour remove itself from agreements and co-operation that were by all reports and particularly in this case working very well. It is, of course, vital that we acknowledge the importance of what is before us for the safety of our citizens and the security of our country. Given the closeness of our neighbour and the ease of travel between our two countries in the past, this is an important motion. We are all aware of the reported criminal activity between both countries and the continued need for co-operation between their respective police forces. It is vital for the running of both police forces that this co-operation continues and as we did in the Dáil earlier, the Labour Party will support the motion.It is unfortunate, as has been said by many Senators, that we are only discussing this agreement now in its final week. More important, however, is the concern many of us have that this agreement can be extended only once. As our briefing note explains, the interim period can be extended once, until 30 June 2022, by the specialised committee on law enforcement and judicial co-operation. Given that it can be extended only once, for nine months, how can we copper-fasten this so important agreement and ensure it will be extended? Without it, both police forces will find all their operations very difficult.