Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Every Irish family is thinking about the families of the students who were tragically killed in Berkeley yesterday. A further seven students were injured and are receiving care in various hospitals. They were young people who were full of the joys of life. They were talented, outgoing, caring and global in their outlook, as revealed this morning by the principal of one of the students. The bereaved parents are either on their way or have arrived in Berkeley to identify their loved ones. I acknowledge the excellent work being done by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and his officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who have a long tradition of looking after Irish people abroad when the need arises. They will continue to go beyond the call of duty to support the families of the deceased, Eimear Walsh, Eoghan Culligan, Ashley Donohoe, Niccolai Schuster, Olivia Burke and Lorcan Miller. That is the way it should be.

The US ambassador, Mr. Kevin O'Malley, has described the J1 programme as an essential ingredient of the unique and flourishing relationship between Ireland and the United States. That is why our consul general in San Francisco, Mr. Philip Grant, stated yesterday that people were frozen with shock, disbelief and a profound sadness at what had occurred. In that context, it is important that other students with J1 visas be given access to support and counselling. More than one third of the 8,000 students with J1 visas are in California. I was glad to hear the president of UCD confirm this morning that the university's office in San Francisco was in contact with students.

It is important in the coming period, after the initial shock and sadness pass, that support, including the exceptional supports the Minister and his Department are providing, continue to be offered. It is particularly important that the medical needs of those who were injured and are in hospital be monitored. As a state, we must ensure every possible assistance is given to the families of those who were injured and are in need of medical care. In the weeks and months ahead that support will continue to be necessary. May I take it that the exceptional support given thus far by the Department and the universities will endure over a longer period in order that everyone will be looked after to the greatest extent possible?

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