1. Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence Legislation on the Intelligence Services Amendment Bill [B37- 2008], dated 21 October 2008.

1. The Intelligence Services Amendment Bill [B37–2008] was introduced

to Parliament on 5 May 2008 and was referred to the Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence Legislation on 13 May 2008. The Committee met on 4 June 2008 for the first time.

2. The Ministry of Intelligence presented the Intelligence Services

Amendment Bill to the Committee on 18 June 2008.

3. The Bill seeks to amend the Intelligence Services Act 65 of 2002, so as to insert certain definitions; to provide for the establishment of the National Communications Centre; to remove the requirements of a training fund for the Academy; and to grant members the right to retire from the Intelligence Services or the Academy on or after the date on which they reach the age of 55 years; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

4. The Committee, after considering inputs from the Ministry of Intelligence invited written public submissions.

5. Since only one submission was received no public hearings were held. The Committee considered the recommendations and other issues raised during its deliberations.

6. During its deliberations the Committee identified, inter alia, the following concerns:

The Committee was not convinced that the National Communication Centre should be established as a stand alone department with its own Director-General. The matter requires further consideration.

The Bill creates financial implications which have not been properly considered.

Accordingly, following a resolution taken on Wednesday, 15 October 2008, the Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence Legislation requests that the Ministry of Intelligence withdraws the Bill.

Report to be considered.