Mr. Drew Harris:

This was a very serious incident and it was treated as such right from the initial report last night. Initially, we met the PSNI and it was in touch with us quickly in terms of a joint response to this. The situation developed as Deputy Jack Chambers has described. A very vicious assault has happened and we are now conducting a full investigation into this matter. We are working closely with our colleagues in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

In recent times, there has been a number of incidents of intimidation and attacks on property. Some of those have been very dangerous in themselves, involving dangerous attacks of arson, setting fire to vehicles, and damage to buildings. We are conscious of this ongoing threat to the directors, specifically in this case Mr. Lunney. The committee can be assured of a full and active response on our part in terms of the investigation, and the same is the case in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

This is the subject of ongoing discussion because we have, in effect, a joint operation in response to these types of incidents, and to provide assurance and protection to Mr. Lunney and his colleagues in the management positions that they hold. It is entirely unacceptable and incredible that people carrying on lawful business, offering secure employment for local people, are treated in this way. We are determined, as are, I am sure, our colleagues in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to bring the perpetrators to justice on this.