Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join the Tánaiste in offering sincere sympathies to the families of the two men murdered in north Belfast and in Derry. We both utterly condemn these vicious, brutal and cowardly murders, as has Deputy Smith.

As the Tánaiste stated earlier, the people of Belfast and Derry and, indeed, people all over Ireland have moved on. There is no justification for crimes against the community. While investigations are at an early stage, it seems clear that criminal terrorists in the guise of so-called dissident republicans were involved. I noted the Deputy's reluctance to use the words "dissident" and "republican" in his description of them, with which I entirely agree. As is clear to us all, the only motivation for these murders is self-interest as opposed to any broader agenda for the communities in Northern Ireland or in our State. My colleagues in this House are at one with me in expressing horror at what has happened. These people have no mandate and their actions lead nowhere.

The Deputy will know that these so-called dissident republicans are criminal terrorists who will readily use lethal violence in pursuit of their own, often personal, ends. They have more than just a passing acquaintance with organised crime to fund their activities and lifestyles, and they have no regard for life or law.

The Minister for Justice and Equality and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland held one of their regular meetings on 23 September to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the security situation and ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. The threats to peace posed by dissident groups are undoubtedly serious. Since 2009, a series of violent attacks by these dissident groups has taken place, resulting in injuries and in the deaths of two British Army personnel, two PSNI officers and a member of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

The deaths of Sappers Quinsey and Azimkar, Constable Carroll, Constable Kerr and Mr. David Black, the routine so-called punishment attacks and murders of civilians along with the continuing threats against the Police Service of Northern Ireland are viewed with widespread revulsion across society on the island of Ireland. It is clear that these people enjoy no popular support within the community. They have nothing to offer the people and they have been overwhelmingly rejected.

The Deputy asked this Government to live up to its role and obligations in the North. I assure him of our continued commitment to do so. The Tánaiste has continued to engage in intensive discussions with political, civic and community leaders in recent months. In his regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he has emphasised the Government's role as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement. Both Governments have restated their support for the Executive's work towards creating a shared society and prosperous economy in Northern Ireland, as outlined in the Executive's Together: Building a United Community strategy.

During his recent visit to Belfast, and in forthcoming visits to Deny, Armagh and Belfast, the Tánaiste has met, and will continue to meet, community and business leaders in support of their ongoing work towards a reconciled and prosperous future for everyone on this island. In his contacts with political leaders in Northern Ireland, he has urged them to seize the opportunity presented by the Haass talks to deal with the contentious issues of flags, parades and the past.

The Deputy can be assured of the continued commitment of the Government to ensure the Garda Commissioner and the PSNI Chief Constable place strong emphasis on the close and high quality co-operation between the two police services which is essential to face down this paramilitary threat.

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