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

On behalf of the Technical Group, I offer my deepest sympathy and support to the families of the young people who died tragically in Berkeley, California. It is a very sad day for their parents and families as well as for Ireland. Our hearts were broken when we heard this story. When the news broke yesterday, the first reaction of many of us, particularly those of us living in the north side of Dublin, was that it was a reminder of the Stardust tragedy. The same feeling came across as that following the Stardust fire tragedy many years ago. We think of young people who were taken away in a flash by an horrific incident. Many of us felt strongly for those families. It is difficult to respond and to deal with and feel the heartbreak. The loss of someone close is a difficult thing in anyone's life. The loss of a young person in a matter of seconds is every parent's nightmare. Many of us feel that today.

I commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the foreign affairs consular staff who do an excellent job. I was in Lisbon recently where I saw another family in a crisis situation, which did not make the headlines, and the excellent work the consular staff did in Lisbon for the family. This goes on all the time although it might not make the headlines. I thank those people. They have been great support and very professional. It is important the Government ensures to give them the maximum support.

Six young people are gone from us in a matter of seconds. It is so sad for the parents. We all feel the hurt and pain. I welcome the suspension of the Dáil and the fact that the Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora will travel to the USA to assist those families in their 40 or 50 hours of crisis. The situation, which will involve hanging around hospitals and all that process, will be a nightmare for them. Eimear Walsh, Niccolai Schuster, Lorcán Miller, Olivia Burke, Eoghan Culligan and Ashley Donohoe are the young people who died. Their parents are suffering. Let us also remember those who have been severely injured, especially the seven young people. Many of them have very severe injuries. There is also the people who were at the party, who are experiencing a massive trauma. It is important that there is unity in this House and the country to back these families. Life and young people are very important. On behalf of the Technical Group, I offer the parents our deepest sympathy and all of our support.

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