Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I once again condemn unreservedly the killing of Paul Quinn. This brutal assault, resulting in the death of a young man, has been properly condemned by all right-thinking people on both sides of the border. The obvious planned nature of the assault makes it all the more reprehensible. Deputies of all political parties and politicians across the island share my revulsion at what happened to Paul Quinn and his family. Let me express again my deepest sympathy to them. I fully support them in their quest to see those who perpetrated this savage act brought to justice. It is very sad that we, as Members of Dáil Éireann, find ourselves discussing again a life cut tragically short. In this case, Paul Quinn was only 21 years old when he was killed on 20 October last year. I am somewhat constrained, as Deputies will appreciate, in what I can say on this matter. An investigation into this appalling crime is ongoing in two jurisdictions. Nothing I or anyone else in the House says, therefore, should interfere with that process. I have a particular responsibility as Minister in this regard.

The basic facts surrounding Paul Quinn's death will be known to most Members but I will summarise them. Paul Quinn was lured into travelling across the Border from his home in Cullyhanna, County Armagh, to a cattle shed near Castleblayney, County Monaghan. He was then set upon by up to a dozen individuals who violently beat him. There has been speculation that the intention behind this vicious assault was not to kill but to teach a lesson but this is irrelevant. The outcome could very well have been predicted in the circumstances. The Garda Síochána was made aware of the incident at 6.10 p.m. on Saturday, 20 October. Gardaí arrived at the scene at 6.20 p.m. and found Paul Quinn badly injured. Basic first aid was administered at the scene and he was transferred by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. He was found to have serious injuries to the head, lower body and legs. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff in Drogheda, he died later that evening.

I met the family of Paul Quinn before Christmas, as did my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Taoiseach also took the opportunity to speak with Paul's mother and father on the occasion of their visit. While deeply grieving the loss of their son, they also have a burning desire to see justice done in this case. As I have said, this is something we all share. I took the opportunity at that meeting to assure Mr. and Mrs. Quinn that the Garda is absolutely determined to do everything in its power to bring Paul's killers to justice. The force is carrying out a very intensive investigation with the closest co-operation of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Many statements have been taken, facts checked and re-checked and forensic and other analyses have been carried out. This investigation is complex but it is very much live and ongoing.

While some of the individuals involved in the assault on Paul Quinn may have crossed the Border to commit this crime, the Garda and PSNI are demonstrating that the Border will not prove a barrier to their investigations. In addition to on the ground co-operation, which has included Garda officers accompanying PSNI colleagues to interview individuals in the North, senior Garda management are in close contact with their counterparts in the PSNI. When the PSNI Chief Constable was in Dublin last week the case was reviewed in his discussions with the Garda Commissioner.

I have also spoken to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on several occasions and we are determined to ensure the highest level of practical co-operation in both jurisdictions. There has been an amount of speculation that there may have been a paramilitary element to this killing, specifically, Provisional IRA involvement. The investigation by the Garda will lead wherever it may, but the position in this regard remains that the force has no information to suggest this attack was authorised by, or carried out on behalf of, that organisation. The Secretary of State and myself are in complete agreement that the most important aspect of this crime is that those responsible, whatever their background, are brought to justice, and the way to achieve this is to allow the police investigation to take its course. It serves no one, least of all Paul Quinn and his family, to politicise his death while active investigations to apprehend his killers continue. None of us must lose sight of the central fact — the murder of a young man and the brutal removal of an innocent life by persons to whom humanity and decency are obvious strangers.

There has been speculation of intimidation of witnesses or potential witnesses in this case. It would not be helpful to comment on this. If that has happened or is happening, I condemn it and I am sure all Members will join in that condemnation. A successful police force needs the trust and co-operation of those to whom it provides its services. Crucial, therefore, to the success of the Garda investigation will be the level of co-operation which local people are willing to offer. I would like again to ask people who have any knowledge of this crime to share it with the police. It is vitally important that people with information that might help find the people responsible and bring them to justice make it known. I include those who may not have been directly involved but, nonetheless, are party to what could be vital information. I urge them to examine their consciences and to ask themselves whether they can stand by while young men are beaten to death.

I thank those who have come forward. Substantial co-operation with this investigation has been provided by people on both sides of the Border. Local people are making clear, in ever increasing numbers, their demand for proper, effective policing. One of the more sinister allegations that has been made about this incident is that it was intended as a punishment beating by those who seek to exert some form of control over the area. Both Governments, the police forces and people generally are united in determined opposition to them.

There is a new optimism in Ireland. The vast majority of people, North and South, are eager to grasp the opportunity for peace, reconciliation and prosperity with which we have been presented by the peace process. Many of my Cabinet colleagues are in Dundalk attending a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, discussing further ways to bring benefits through practical co-operation for all the people who share this island. The past year has shown what can be achieved when different strands of opinion pull together for the common good. This is the future for the island and we will not allow it to be sabotaged by those who believe the law does not apply to them.

I again extend my sympathy to the Quinn family for their loss and appeal to those who have knowledge of this crime to share it with the Garda Síochána or the PSNI. The two police forces will continue to pursue those responsible with the utmost vigour and in doing so have the full support of the Government and, I am sure, everyone in this House.

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