Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his comments and the proposal he made this morning. The flags of the country are flying at half mast as a mark of respect and sympathy to the families of the bereaved. I hope that on the Order of Business we can hear brief comments from the leaders before suspending the sittingof the House as a mark of respect. When we look at the newspapers this morning, do we not see the faces of our own sons and daughters as they start the great adventure of life? This tragedy could have happened in Cahersiveen, Wexford, Monaghan or anywhere else, but it happened so far way. It impacted on the immediate families, young people and the many thousands of J1 visa holders to whom the Deputy referred.

I thank the Deputy for his comments about the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan. The support provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue and specialist counselling and support will be provided, where necessary. I propose to send the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for the diaspora, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, to Berkeley as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Ireland. This is not in any way intended to overlook the great work being done by the consul general in San Francisco, Mr. Philip Grant, in providing a presence for the Government.

As Deputy Micheál Martin pointed out, the families of the six young people whose lives were tragically taken in this accident are in our thoughts and prayers. With the indulgence of the House, after I propose the Order of Business, we might hear short comments from the leaders and then suspend the sitting of the House for a period of time.

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