Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Taoiseach and agree wholeheartedly with him. As stated during Question Time, the transformation of the police service in Northern Ireland is one of the outstanding legacies of the peace process. The changed relationship between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI has played a strong and central role in that transformation. Many gardaí who engage on a daily and weekly basis with their counterparts in the PSNI share people's horror and sadness with regard to what has occurred. The Minister for Justice and Equality articulated the position very well in that regard.

When one listens to certain commentators, it occasionally appears that there is some doubt with regard to the absolute and strong co-operation between - and the agenda shared by - the Garda Síochána and the PSNI in the context of tracking and apprehending the evil individuals who perpetrate crimes of this nature. Is the Taoiseach in a position to assure the House that the two forces will continue to work in a synergistic fashion to ensure that the peace and quality of life enjoyed by all citizens on this island will be protected?

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