Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not think I will be needing the seven minutes because the Minister of State has clearly outlined the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  On my behalf and that of the Fianna Fáil group, I can say we will be supporting these Government motions.

It is clear that if these motions were not to be passed, the provisions in place would expire on 30 June 2023.  That is not a position I or anybody else would want the State to be in. I was taken by the Minister of State's reference to something I already knew, namely, that in March, the UK authorities raised the threat level to "severe", meaning a terrorist-related attack is highly likely. In that context, it would be remiss of us not to renew these provisions. I welcome this move. I hope parties across the Chamber will support these motions. I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive speech outlining the reasons for the need for these extensions. I am aware there is an ongoing review but until that is dealt with, it is important for us to renew these measures for the next 12 months.