Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I will give Deputy Kenny the facts at my disposal. First, this callous murder is a brutal reminder of Northern Ireland's tortured and tragic past and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. At approximately 5 p.m. yesterday, a 999 call was made to ambulance control by a member of the public requesting medical assistance at a house in Clogher Cor, Glenties, County Donegal. The body of Denis Donaldson was discovered at the scene. When gardaí arrived at the scene, they confirmed the deceased to be Denis Donaldson, whom they knew. Mr. Donaldson had received extensive injuries. His right hand was practically severed at the wrist. Two spent shotgun cartridges were found outside the house. The assistant commissioner of the northern division has taken charge of the investigation and a full-scale murder inquiry is now under way. Gardaí are keeping an open mind on the murder at this stage. The scene was preserved and a checkpoint was set up. Liaison with the PSNI was established immediately. The services of the State pathologist were requested. The member of the public who called the ambulance saw the door of Mr. Donaldson's house open between 2.40 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.

On the whereabouts of Mr. Donaldson, gardaí became aware in January of his presence at the location where he was subsequently murdered. Following the public attention he received, gardaí visited him and advised him that, because of his circumstances, there was a perceived threat to his life. They offered him advice on his personal security and gave him a telephone number for Glenties Garda station in case he had any concerns. The house where he lived received passing attention from the Garda on an ongoing basis. It should be noted that Mr. Donaldson did not at any time request Garda assistance or protection since that period in January. He was last sighted by gardaí in Glenties the previous day at approximately 5 p.m., which was approximately 24 hours before they received the call to his house.

On Deputy Kenny's other questions, I have no idea at this stage who could have or would have been involved. Given the circumstances, many people would have had an interest in Mr. Donaldson in one form or another. Whoever was responsible for this evil deed was certainly no friend of the peace process or of anyone on this island. I do not know what was on the mind of whoever was responsible. Perhaps it was blind and bitter retribution. Whatever the reason, it was a foul murder and the investigation will have to take place. I note the murder has been condemned by the republican movement, including Sinn Féin and the IRA. It is right that they did so in an unequivocal and timely manner.

It has been made clear that the two Governments will not be deterred from efforts to bring politics centre stage in Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, and I will travel to Armagh tomorrow and get on with the talks. I have no idea whether the timing of the murder had anything to do with the events this week or whether it is retribution for the past. On whether it will make a difference to the events that will take place tomorrow, it certainly will make the talks more difficult. Something always happens to build up tension when talks are about to take place to try to deal with issues in Northern Ireland. We had been working hard and making some progress. This event will test our resolve and we must try to move on tomorrow.

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