Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins has welcomed news that landmark legislation introduced in the aftermath of the Omagh atrocity is to be built upon with the addition of three new terrorism offences. Deputy Collins called on all Dáil parties to send a signal by backing the legislation.
He commented, “Police across the island have been successful in mitigating the threat posed by so-called dissident republicans, but the threat remains and is serious, so it is important that police and prosecuting authorities have legal back-up to keep the pressure on dissidents. The legislation passed in response to the Omagh atrocity has played a key role in taking the fight to these thugs, but it is important that as the threat evolves, the legislative tools to deal with it evolve also.
“In Fianna Fáil we welcome news that additional legislation is now being brought in to strengthen the Gardai’s hand and we will be playing a constructive role in the Dáil and Seanad to ensure the proposed legislation is fit for purpose and passes quickly.
“We would call on all the other parties in the Oireachtas to pledge the same support. It is important that those who would seek to return our country to the sort of murder and mayhem we endured for decades see a united front of rejection of that approach in the Dáil and Seanad.”
