Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

These are testing times for the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland. The leaders of the parties in the Assembly are to be commended for their openness and their response to these murders. I urge them to appeal to their supporters to co-operate fully with the police investigations now taking place, so that those responsible can be brought to justice. I urge the Garda Síochána to provide every possible assistance to this investigation in order that this sad, tragic saga can be ended quickly and that those responsible can be brought before the jurisdiction of the courts.

The Fine Gael Party, as always, stands ready to support the actions of the Government in its attempts and co-operation with the authorities in Northern Ireland to bring the perpetrators of these murders to justice in the shortest possible time. While many issues divide us in terms of working here, such as economic issues, on this issue there is no division nor dissent. I offer the full support of the Fine Gael Party to the Government in its efforts in this matter.

Does the Taoiseach consider it would be an appropriate response from the House to set aside an hour, either this evening or tomorrow, for an all-party agreed motion condemning the murders of these three men carrying out their duties? Does he agree we should send a clear message from Dáil Éireann of the support of all Members of the House in condemning outright these murders and to the supporters of our democratic systems that this institution will not be trampled upon by people of twisted minds and evil deeds? When the Taoiseach travels next week to the United States, he should carry with him a strong and clear mandate in respect of our attitude towards violence and atrocities on these shores.

My simple request is that the Taoiseach allows us an appropriate time, an hour or so tomorrow, for an agreed motion in the House condemning these murders.

See this speech in context