Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Gas (Amendment) Bill is on Report Stage, which could be taken next week perhaps. I am not sure but it is possible.

The shooting in East Wall on Sunday night is a deeply disturbing development. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. O'Kane and the local community. What makes it deeply disturbing is the apparent youth of the people involved. The Garda Síochána is carrying out a full investigation into the circumstances of this tragic death and I do not want to say anything that impinges on the investigation. A number of persons are in Garda custody. We will seek to learn whatever lessons there may be in these tragic circumstances. The important thing in the short term is that those responsible, whatever their ages, are brought to justice. I understand the Garda investigation is making steady progress. It may be possible, through a private notice question or an Adjournment debate, for the matter to be taken on another day if the Ceann Comhairle so decides.

We have made a commitment that we can have a debate each month on the report Deputy Kenny mentioned. While I note what Deputy Kenny has to say on the health Bill, it is important from the Government's point of view and in the interest of certainty and the clarity of the situation to have the matter enacted before the Dáil rises this term.

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