Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil party, I welcome the debate and support both motions. The Minister of State outlined that unless we pass both motions, they will be discontinued from the end of this month, so it is important that we pass them. They are important legislative measures and unfortunately the need arises for us to continue with them. He outlined that the advice of the Garda Commissioner, and in due course, of the Government itself is that it is necessary. Dissident paramilitary groups remain a significant threat and the threat level in Northern Ireland is classified as substantial. That means an attack is likely, so we cannot ignore that information and have to act upon it. In a similar way, not just from a domestic perspective, but from an international one, we are not immune from international terrorism and have to act. We also have our own organised crime gangs who unfortunately still engage in murder, the supply of drugs and firearms and so on. As the Minister of State did, I commend gardaí on the great work they do in apprehending these criminals and putting their own lives at risk on behalf of us all. It is important we mention that. I am delighted to support both motions. The Minister of State outlined everything in his presentation that needed to be outlined.

Have he any idea of the timeline for the ongoing independent review? Has he a date for when we expect that work to be complete? In the meantime, we unfortunately have no choice but to support both motions as outlined. I am delighted to do so when the time arises.