James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to the House for its consideration of the motions and thank all Senators for their contributions, especially those in support of the motions.

The very real threat to our society from dissident republican paramilitary groups and the brutality of ruthless crime gangs need an effective and particular response from the criminal justice system. As legislators, we have a duty to support An Garda Síochána and the justice system in tackling these threats. The Offences Against the State Acts have stood the test of time for 80 years, and it is important we take the time to consider carefully how best to proceed on foot of the work of the review group. It is imperative we do not do anything to undermine the efforts of the authorities with responsibility for countering paramilitary and criminal groups and protecting communities. Community safety must be at the centre of all our efforts.

I assure the House the Minister is fully committed to considering the package of recommendations from the majority of the review group and the perspective of the minority and returning to Cabinet with a full response in due course. To assist with this, she has, as I said earlier, asked her officials to consult other Departments, the Garda Commissioner, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Courts Service and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. The Minister intends also to take other two initiatives in the short term in response to the work of the review group. She will discuss with officials the work in train at the Department of Justice in regard to juries to identify any additional measures, short of non-jury trials, that might in certain cases mitigate the risk of intimidation or other interference.

Regardless of this important work, the threat from terrorist activity remains real and persistent, and serious organised crime continues to present a significant challenge. It is crucial the State have the capacity to deal effectively with those who seek to undermine it, and those involved in organised crime, especially the drugs trade, who inflict devastating damage on individuals, families and our communities. The renewal of these provisions clearly demonstrates we do not accept the activities of terrorists and organised crime groups and that we are determined to support An Garda Síochána and the criminal justice system in defeating them.