Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The second part of the Deputy's question is, of course, an operational matter between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI. As for the first part of the question, there is absolutely no question but that the Garda will be fully supported in its efforts to counter the activities of the criminal terrorists who robbed Constable Kerr of his life. The programme for Government makes clear the Government's commitment to ensuring the necessary resources will be available to the Garda Commissioner and his officers and I reiterate that commitment today. I met the Commissioner shortly after my appointment and confirmed to him the Government's absolute commitment to ensure he would have available to him all resources required in dealing with the threat posed. I speak regularly with him and there was a full security briefing following the weekend's atrocity. On Monday he briefed the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and me.

I had visited Garda Headquarters only the previous Friday to discuss the issue of criminal terrorists and a broad range of other issues in the criminal justice area and matters relating to the Garda. The Commissioner has assured me that he has the resources he requires to deal with those who still are intent on violence and attempting to disrupt the peace process and return us to the past. The Garda, in full co-operation with the PSNI, will not let up in bringing to bear the full pressure of the law on those who are seeking to drag us all back to a violent past. This was reiterated by me in my conversations with the Minister, Mr. Ford, on Saturday evening shortly after the atrocity that resulted in the death of Constable Kerr. At the weekend the Commissioner stated his officers' solidarity with their colleagues in the PSNI and the determination of the two organisations to work together to bring to justice those responsible. He will, of course, continue to have the Government's full and determined support in this regard.

As the Deputy is aware, there have been some developments in the investigations taking place in Northern Ireland into the death of Constable Kerr, although it would not be appropriate for me to comment on these matters in this House. I note that when I attended the constable's funeral yesterday, in the company of the Taoiseach, we reiterated the support of the Government and the Garda. Moreover, the Commissioner also met the Chief Constable of the PSNI, Mr. Matt Baggott. All I can state is that the Government is absolutely resolute to provide all necessary assistance and help in counteracting the serious threat posed.

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