An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: For the sake of clarity, there are two motions and there are amendments to each of them. Sinn Féin has tabled amendments to both motions and the Labour Party has tabled an amendment to one. The motions are being discussed together.

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: I move:

That Dáil Éireann resolves that sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 (No. 39 of 1998) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2024 and ending on 29th June, 2025.

The two motions before the House seek the approval of Dail Eireann to continue in force provisions in the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 aimed at combating terrorism and organised crime. Given the nature of these important provisions, the Houses of the Oireachtas have decided they should be periodically reviewed. As Minister for Justice, I am required to lay reports before the Oireachtas on the use of the relevant provisions in the two Acts. Reports covering the 12 months up to 31 May 2024 were placed in the Oireachtas Library on 18 June.

An Garda Síochána is working intensively to bear down on the criminals involved, and deserves praise for considerable success in disrupting their activities, making significant seizures of drugs, cash and weapons, bringing criminals to justice and, most importantly, preventing further loss of life. I draw attention to the joint task force operation resulting in the largest drug seizure in the history of the State from the MV Matthew off the coast of County Cork last year. Deputies will be aware of other significant cases in which individuals have been sent forward for trial in the Special Criminal Court in recent weeks. As Minister for Justice, I acknowledge this important work and the brave gardaí who persevere with it day in, day out.

The report I have laid before the House in accordance with section 8 covers the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024. It includes information provided by the Garda Commissioner on the use over the past 12 months of the provisions in question and details of the relevant offences. It is clear from the report that An Garda Síochána made a significant number of arrests in respect of offences relevant to section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, with ten charges laid before the Special Criminal Court and three convictions recorded there. A further three sentencing hearings were dealt with in the Special Criminal Court during the reporting period. The view of An Garda Síochána is clearly set out in the report and it is that the continued operation of this provision is required. It is my strong view, therefore, that section 8 should continue in operation for a further 12 months.

The House will be aware that last year I published the majority and minority reports of the independent review group appointed to examine all aspects of the Offences Against the State Acts following their consideration by the Government. My officials have engaged in detailed consultation on the recommendations of the review group and have examined the reports from a variety of perspectives, including policy, governance and legislation. The outputs from this consultation and analysis are informing the preparation of a substantive response to the review which I will bring to the Government for approval in due course.

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