Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I condemn the disturbances in Belfast both last night and the night before. This situation demands the Government's serious attention and I have pledged on its behalf that it will continue to work closely with the newly elected Assembly and Executive in Northern Ireland. I note the joint statements made by the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister in bringing a sense of reason and calmness to a situation that is of concern. Obviously, I have read and seen the reports on the photographer who was injured in last night's shooting. I commend all those involved at local level in bringing a sense of understanding and calmness to what is a situation of concern. The community in question gains nothing from episodes such as that which took place last night and the night before.

I note the comments made by the senior police officer, Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum, who stated the troubles had been orchestrated by the loyalist paramilitary group the UVF. It is perfectly obvious there have been internal tensions within the UVF. The chief superintendent also stated two men were being treated in hospital for gunshot wounds. A total of 11 shots were fired, six from the Nationalist side and five from the loyalist side. As Deputy Micheál Martin is aware, the newly elected Assembly and Executive with devolved authority has a Minister of Justice, as well as the PSNI which has the support of the entire community.

I commend all those involved in public and community life who are arranging meetings in a cross-community sense and have stated this is a situation that demands calmness and reason. I make the point that those involved cannot and will not be allowed to disrupt the normalisation of relations across the community for which so many have worked hard for so many years. I share the concern expressed by Deputy Micheál Martin. He may take it that in so far as the Government can assist and co-operate in any way, it will be happy to so do. However, I note the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister have made joint statements on the necessity to deal with this issue effectively. I hope to be in touch directly with them shortly about ongoing and unfolding events in the North.

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