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

I have taken careful note of Deputy Smith's remarks. As he said, there is no rationale for acts of terrorism like the killings of recent days. Like the Deputy, I did not think I would have to speak about two murders in the week of a conference that has been organised to try to create a prosperous and inclusive society and ensure Northern Ireland will have the kind of bright future we all want for it. The Deputy referred to a number of areas in which the Government needs to engage. I can categorically assure him that we strongly support the process in Northern Ireland. He spoke about the need for close co-operation between the PSNI and the Garda Síochána and said the two police forces need the right support to do all of their work. As I indicated in my opening statement, both forces and both governments could not be more supportive of the need for tight and integrated co-operation to deal with the criminality that is at the heart of the difficulties mentioned by the Deputy.

I have heard Deputy Smith raise the Haass process on a number of occasions in this House. I was present last week when the Tánaiste outlined the Government's support for it. The Tánaiste and his Government colleagues have engaged in dialogue as part of that process. We are doing all we can to ensure it is successful and inclusive. The Deputy spoke about the need for broader and continued Government engagement in Northern Ireland. When the Tánaiste responded to this point earlier today, he made it clear that he has planned a number of visits to the North, as one would expect. As a sign of my commitment and that of the Department of the Taoiseach to this issue, I will visit Stormont next Wednesday to talk about the broader issue of Europe, with specific reference to the Government's commitment to supporting European investment in the North.

Of course the Deputy is correct when he suggests that the best antidote to this kind of terror and criminality is a prosperous and secure future for all the communities in the North. In addition to the work being done by the PSNI and the Garda to deal with the terrible murders that have been mentioned, it should be emphasised that the Government, Deputy Smith and all the other Deputies in this House will continue to do all we can to ensure investment is in place to prevent people from being tempted by the kinds of incentives referred to by the Deputy.

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