Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I assume there is no disagreement in the House regarding the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr. I regard this as an act of cowardice that does nothing for anybody on this island. Yesterday, I spoke to Constable Kerr's mother, Nuala. I admire her quiet courage and forthrightness in speaking out. I admire those, from all sides of the political divide in Northern Ireland, who have spoken out and acted in the interest of peace and harmony between all communities on this island. I intend to travel to the funeral of Constable Kerr tomorrow, with a number of other Members of the House, as a statement of solidarity with the Kerr family and that the Oireachtas and the vast majority of people on this island abhor what happened. The person who placed the bomb in the footwell of Constable Kerr's vehicle may, in their own warped version, be someone of stature. That version is false, wrong and utterly removed from the future of the peoples of this island. Our attendance will condemn their action without question or hesitation.

I also admire the fortitude of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The chairman of the Ulster Council of the GAA issued a statement of direct and forthright condemnation. His statement was a lesson that an attack on a member of the association is an attack on the entire membership, which reaches into every town, city and parish in the country. Contact has been made with many GAA clubs in Northern Ireland in this regard. The House will have an opportunity to make statements on the murder of Constable Kerr when the Order of Business concludes.

The other matter raised by Deputy Martin is important in the context of the economy of the island of Ireland. I know from my experience as Minister for Tourism and Trade that the opportunities presented by the forthcoming visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama are immense. There are issues that have yet to be decided in the context of the visits. However, they should be seen as an investment for the future from a tourism and business perspective. I expect that the welcome accorded to both international visitors by the people of Ireland will be historic in significance and that they will be made feel welcome when they come to our shores.

The Deputy referred, not today but last week, to the International Fund for Ireland, which is an important consideration in respect of vulnerable communities on both sides of the divide in Northern Ireland. It is hoped this matter will be addressed by the US through its appropriations committee. It is an important element of leverage for further funding.

I look forward to working with the newly elected Members of the Assembly, following the casting of votes by the people of Northern Ireland in early May. We also look forward to following through on our work, through the Ceann Comhairle and new Speaker of the Assembly, in respect of the North-South parliamentary forum. It is hoped that the meeting of the North-South Ministers, which will take place early in the summer, will conclude the process outlined here. I agree that the Government and Assembly should work together on addressing issues relating to the island of Ireland and its economy. I am committed to working in harmony and co-operation with our colleagues in Northern Ireland in respect of all of these matters.

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