Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I acknowledge Deputy Higgins' comments in regard to the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr. I understand there were some communication difficulties last night in terms of the Government Whip not being able to make contact with the Whip of the Technical Group or Deputy Higgins. It is intended to add Deputy Higgins name to the motion on behalf of the Technical Group, which will be before the House later this morning.

I heard the tape recording played last night on television and was shocked by its contents. Rape is a heinous crime. It is not something that should be threatened, trivialised or laughed at by anyone.

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