Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I welcome the fact that the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Foreign Affairs are meeting the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland today. I also welcome the fact that the Garda and the PSNI are in contact. I hope this will help to bring the perpetrators to justice and that there will be a high level of co-operation to ensure this happens. I agree with what the Taoiseach said regarding the resilience of the peace process and the institutions. The legislation enacted following the Omagh bombing, which was quite severe in both jurisdictions, was aimed at identifying the Omagh bombers, bringing them to justice and ensuring there would not be a repeat. Is the Taoiseach satisfied this legislation is sufficiently robust and extensive to deal with this situation and with any future situations which might arise? It is hoped they will not.

As we speak about the fallout from these horrific events, it is important to remember that ultimately, this is a human tragedy where three people have lost their lives. All of our sympathies are with their families, friends and those close to them. I take this opportunity to express my sympathy and that of the Labour Party with all of those who were close to the three men who lost their lives.

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