Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is very welcome back to the House. I, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Senators, support these motions that provide for the continuance of certain provisions under the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and also the continuance in operation of section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. I thank the Minister of State for outlining in great detail his case for the continuance of these measures.

We fully agree with the continuance in operation of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, which was a central provision in the battle against dissident republican groups engaged in terrorism. The Act, as the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach will know, was introduced by Fianna Fáil in 1998 in response, as the Minister of State outlined, to the Omagh bombing. We as a State must remain vigilant to the continuous threat from dissident republican terrorists who refuse to recognise the legality or existence of the Irish State and, as the Minister of State also outlined, other threats as well.

Section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 is a vital tool in the battle against organised crime and was also introduced by Fianna Fáil. Section 8 allows for the prosecution of individuals before the Special Criminal Court without a jury for directing a criminal organisation or participating in or contributing to the activity of a criminal organisation for the purpose of committing or facilitating the commission of a serious offence. Unfortunately, we are all used to the activities of these criminal gangs, as they continue to murder and be involved with the supply of drugs, firearms and explosives. As the Minister of State outlined, this legislation is necessary to protect those who are members of juries from intimidation.

It was mentioned that it is the view of the Garda it is important both these pieces of legislation continue for another 12 months. I welcome that and take the opportunity to commend the Garda on the work it does in this dangerous field on behalf of us all, and indeed on the many successes it has had in this particular area.

The Minister of State mentioned the review group is due to report in the autumn. I am wondering what the timeframe is thereafter as far as the two pieces of legislation at issue are concerned.

On behalf of Fianna Fáil Senators, I am happy to support both motions.