Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I agree that a motion in respect of which there would be unanimous agreement should be taken following statements. This matter was already discussed in the context of the parliamentary questions I answered earlier. There will be an opportunity for Members to make their views known during the statements that will be taken following the Order of Business. There is no reason why we should not send out a strong, clear and unequivocal condemnation by way of a motion unanimously agreed by the House. As the Deputy indicated, this is not the first occasion on which we have been obliged to resort to taking such action.

I regret that Members are being asked to speak in a debate to which they would never have believed they would be obliged to contribute. It is important to bear in mind the psychology behind what happened. A meeting was held, a decision was made and an instruction was given to someone who took an oath to be a member of the cell, society or group responsible for what occurred at the weekend. That individual, perhaps in conjunction with others, was then sent to perpetrate this cowardly act and a young man's life ended as a result. It is a slur on the humanity of every person in this country that this should have happened. We condemn this act unreservedly. There is no one in the House who will not share that sentiment.

I agree with Deputy Martin that we should send out, by way of statement and agreed motion, a unanimous, unequivocal, strong and clear message that this kind of cowardice will not be tolerated and is condemned unreservedly by Dáil Éireann and by every Member elected thereto by the people.

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