This legislation is very important and welcome. However, without a cap it will undo everything positive. It will legitimise and entrench puppy farms. It will be really disappointing if there is not a cap on that. What legal reasons are given for not including a cap? Is there a timeframe in which legislation will be drafted and brought before the Oireachtas because it can go on for quite a while? Did the public consultation responses or the dog control stakeholder groups suggest including a cap? If they did, why was…

What was the legal element?

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, for joining us.

I agree with my colleague, Senator Collins. It is right that the three-day rule is hopefully going to be got rid of because it is about choice and respect for women. If I went to a doctor and the doctor told me that I had to think about it for three days, I would find that really patronising. As I do not think it would happen to a man, I do not think it should happen to women either in terms of healthcare. Cuba is facing an extraordinarily difficult economic situation as a result of the illegal trade blockade impos…

I agree with Senator Keogan. It is important that more research is done and that there is more transparency around suicide and the impact of children being taken into State care. I have previously raised the issue of Rathmines post office being sold off, as well as the closures in recent years of post offices on Baggot Street, Kevin Street and in Donnybrook and Ballsbridge. That has had a hugely negative impact on those communities, particularly among the older members. It was announced recently that Rathmines post…

I move amendment No. 5: In page 14, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: “(2) Where an application for a search warrant relates to premises, devices or materials belonging to a journalist or publisher, the court shall, save in exceptional circumstances, conduct an inter partes hearing and invite the journalist or publisher to make submissions on whether journalistic privilege applies.”.

Amendments Nos. 5 and 10, as the Cathaoirleach has said, are linked. Many aspects of this Bill are to be welcomed, including the fact that it codifies Garda use of powers to stop and search, arrest, searches and seizures, and detention, and clarifies the law on stop and search. It is welcome that what was found in provisions in over a dozen pieces of legislation is now reduced to two clear powers to stop and search. The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland recommended in 2018 that in order to ensure the …

Yes.

I move amendment No. 6: In page 14, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: “(2) In considering an application for a search warrant, the District Court may consider whether journalistic privilege applies and shall refuse the application unless satisfied that the requirements of section 21 (Protection of Journalistic Sources) have been met”.

Amendment No. 6 empowers the District Court to actively consider journalistic privilege when assessing search warrant applications. It ensures warrants are refused unless strict requirements are met. This protects press freedom, prevents overreach, and reinforces the essential democratic role of independent journalism. Amendment No. 8 strengthens the protection of journalistic sources by allowing disclosure only through a court order and only where strictly necessary and proportionate. It requires judges to weigh c…

I move amendment No.7: In page 16, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the following: “(2) Where a journalist or publisher asserts journalistic privilege in respect of material stored on an electronic device, no requirement to provide access credentials shall apply until a court has determined whether the privilege applies.”.

Amendment No. 7 ensures the District Court can assess whether journalistic privilege applies before granting a search warrant. It requires the court to refuse any application unless strict safeguards are met protecting press freedom and preventing disproportionate intrusion into journalists’ work.

I move amendment No. 8: In page 17, between lines 16 and 17, to insert the following: “Protection of Journalistic Sources 21. (1) A journalist or publisher shall not be required to disclose the identity of a confidential source except by order of a court. (2) A court shall only make such an order where— (a) it is strictly necessary and proportionate for the administration of justice, and (b) the public interest in disclosure substantially outweighs the public interest in the protection of journalistic sources. (3) …

I move amendment No. 9: In page 19, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: “Safeguards for Retention, Access and Use of Digital Data 24. (1) Any digital data seized, captured or otherwise obtained under a search warrant issued pursuant to this Act shall be retained only for the minimum period strictly necessary for the investigation of the offence to which the warrant relates. (2) Digital data that is not, or is no longer, relevant to the investigation or prosecution of an offence shall be securely delet…

Amendment No. 9 relates to safeguards for retention, access and use of digital data. The amendment introduces essential safeguards for how gardaí retain and handle digital data seized under warrant. The amendment ensures data is kept only for the minimum time necessary, securely deleted when irrelevant and protected through strict access controls, encryption and audit logs. It requires periodic reviews to confirm ongoing necessity and prevent mission creep. Crucially, the data will only be used for the specific inv…

I move amendment No. 10: In page 22, between lines 19 and 20, to insert the following: “Expedited High Court Review 26. (1) A journalist or publisher affected by a warrant or order under this Act may apply to the High Court for an expedited review of the decision. (2) The High Court shall determine such applications as soon as practicable, having regard to the importance of protecting journalistic sources.”.

Like Senator O'Loughlin, this is my first opportunity to wish the Minister of State well on her elevation. I wish her the very best. It is a great opportunity for her. It is a great moment for her and I wish her well. I thank Senator Higgins for introducing the Bill, which we support completely. I would be concerned if anyone were to oppose it and it is welcome that the Government is not opposing it. Like Senator Clonan, I think it is something we should introduce at a national level to set an example and send out …

I am conscious that a vote has been called, so we have one minute each and then we will finish up on this.

There is a vote on now. The Minister of State, Deputy Troy, is paired, so we are going to take him next. While we are waiting, I welcome Camila Alejandra Blanco, who is from Florida and is interning here with Senator Joe O'Reilly. She is very welcome. I hope he is looking after her well and bringing her in to the Members' restaurant every day for lunch, as is the custom for interns. I have no doubt he is. Ms Blanco is very welcome and we wish her the best in her studies and work experience. I welcome the Minister o…

The Senator did not even use all his time.