Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak about the sad and horrific murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. That was a sad day for his wife, his children, his family and his Garda colleagues. It is difficult enough in life to lose a wife, husband or partner through illness or natural causes but it is a nightmare to lose a husband, father and colleague through the deliberate ending of life and gunning down of an innocent man like this. My heartfelt and deepest sympathy goes out to all his family.

All human life is special and this grave act of slaying a man while doing his duty is not acceptable in any society. Whether it is a young garda with a young family or a young plumber it is not on - it is not acceptable.

Today at Kevin Heffernan's funeral in Marino, another great GAA man and community man, I expressed my sympathy on the death of Adrian to some of the gardaí on duty. They were devastated. The gardaí in my constituency were still shocked but they told me that they were greatly lifted by the number of people who did what I did in expressing sympathy and support to them. We should never lose sight of that in these difficult and sad times.

Adrian Donohoe's family are in huge pain now. There is a huge loss which they will never get over, and they will never get over the horrific way he was killed last Friday night. Some will blame drugs while some will blame a dysfunctional and violent character. I cannot understand the way Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot down without even a chance. It was a violent and needless act. It was an injustice to Adrian and, above all, it took a husband from his wife and a father from his children. Again, I express my deepest sympathy to all his family and his Garda colleagues.

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