Dáil debates

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

2:30 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Níl aon easaontas eadrainn faoi seo. Mar adúirt mé, aontaím go mór leis na Teachtaí a cháin dúnmharú Ronan Kerr. Bhí mé ag caint le Máirtín McGuinness agus leis an Céad Aire, Peter Robinson, inné agus labhair mé le Príomh Aire Cameron freisin. Phlé muid an cheist faoi ionadaíocht 50-50 an tseachtain seo caite. In parallel with that, the Minister for Foreign Affairs wrote to the Secretary of State indicating the Government's concern about this matter. The Secretary of State has, therefore, been made aware of the issue. I will also raise it with the British Prime Minister when we make arrangements for our meeting which I assume will take place at a reasonably early date. It is a matter of considerable importance.

While I do not know the answer to the question, it may well be that the person or persons who crept up on Mr. Kerr's car and placed a bomb under its foot well are Catholics. If the attack was in the realm of dissident republicanism, it is not to anyone's benefit to take away the life of an innocent young man who is merely doing his job and duty as part of a process that the vast majority of people on this island voted for and want to see implemented in order that they can live their lives in peace and harmony and get on with raising their families. While I cannot speak with the strength and power of Mrs. Kerr when she stated that her son's murder should not deter young Catholics from wanting to join the PSNI and participate in and contribute to the well-being and livelihood of the people of Northern Ireland, I support her 100%.

I give a commitment to follow through on the letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Secretary of State and I will raise the matter with Prime Minister Cameron when I see him. We will also apprise interested colleagues in the United States of all these matters.

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