Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I strongly condemn the bomb attack on 12 April last and other dissident attacks. These are futile acts which stand in stark contrast to the positive and historic progress that has taken place in the context of the democratic institutions, with the support of all communities, taking on key powers in respect of policing justice. Unfortunately, we have seen the capacity of dissident republican groups to launch attacks. The reality is that it does not take substantial numbers of people to carry out these activities. Their determination to carry out attacks is as high as it was at any stage during the Troubles.

It is important to recognise, however, that the groups to which I refer do not have an infrastructure of support in the community and that they are on a road to nowhere. As well as facing determined action on the part of the security forces, it is clear the activities of these groups have been overwhelmingly rejected by the people, North and South. The Government, the Garda and other interested agencies look forward to deepening co-operation with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive in respect of policing and justice and all other areas.

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