Garret Kelleher (Fine Gael)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit as ucht teacht chun an t-ábhar seo a phlé linn inniu. As with the two previous speakers, on behalf of the Fine Gael group, I rise to speak in support of the two motions before the House. I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his comprehensive opening statement in which he outlined the importance of the House passing both motions this afternoon.

In relation to the motions pertaining to the review of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act, it is worth pointing out that, as democrats, we all value the importance and independent of juries and the role they play in our justice system. However, when nefarious actors go to great lengths to obstruct the delivery of justice, it is absolutely incumbent on us to provide an alternative method for the delivery of justice. I am glad to hear the Minister of State emphasise the continuing threat posed by dissident republicans and those who can trace their roots back to the Provisional IRA and the INLA. He rightly pointed out that we cannot be complacent in continuing to deal with this live and ongoing threat to our democracy and the rule of law. It is entirely appropriate for the Special Criminal Court to continue its delivery of justice when we consider, as the Minister of State outlined, the possibility of attacks on witnesses and the intimidation of jurors, which is a real threat.

Like the previous speakers, I welcome the majority report of the independent review group and the ongoing consultation with An Garda Síochána. I also welcome the fact that the provisions of the 1998 and 2009 Acts continue to be implemented, particularly as they are crucial elements of our justice system in combating terrorism and organised crime. The Fine Gael group fully supports the motions to facilitate the continuation of the vital work in this regard.