Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to raise three items on the Order of Business. First, the House will agree with me that we should formally express our sympathy on the death of two Air Corps pilots, Captain Derek Furniss from Ballinteer and Cadet David Jevens from Wexford. I know the location where the Pilatus aircraft came down and it is very rugged country. This is a tragedy for their families. It remains to be seen how the investigative teams will attempt to discover what happened in this case. It is a tragedy for two young men who were training and being trained in the line of duty for the State. I sympathise with their families and friends on their loss. It is a tragic accident that nobody wished to see and I am sure the House will join with me in that respect.

Second, I ask the Taoiseach to arrange for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide the House with an update on the situation concerning attempts to obtain the release in the Philippines of Fr. Michael Sinnott from Wexford. This man was carrying out his priestly duties and has a medical history that is of some concern. I know the Taoiseach will be anxious that Fr. Sinnott is released safely as quickly as possible through the efforts of our ambassador and whatever other contacts the Government may have in the region. I say that in the context of another Irish person, Sharon Commins, who was abducted along with her co-worker in Africa.

Third, in respect of the National Asset Management Agency Bill, I ask the Taoiseach to confirm that no guillotine will apply to the discussion of amendments on Committee Stage. It is complicated legislation and Members, in addition to those on the Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service, will wish to contribute to the debate on Committee Stage. I hope the Taoiseach will advise the chairman of the select committee that there should not be a guillotine on that Stage of the Bill.

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