Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of our Whip, Deputy Mattie McGrath, and the Rural Independent Group, I express our deepest sympathy with the families and those who have been affected by the awful attack in Manchester last night, which left 22 innocent people dead and at least 59 others seriously injured. This was a cold, calculated attack on some of the youngest people in society. It makes me sick to my stomach to see what should have been a wonderful occasion for young people and their parents attacked by extremists in such a horrific manner. We must do more to protect our young people in our country, across Europe and all over the globe. People at the concert last night were as young as eight years of age and some of the fatalities have been identified and confirmed as being as young as eight and 18 years of age. Just hours beforehand, they were filled with joy to see their pop idol. In particular, I remember Saffie Rose, whose image I recently saw. She was eight years of age. A lovely, beautiful little girl, she could have been anyone's child or grandchild. She was from Leyland, which is near Preston. A lovely little girl who was out for a special night and now she is lost.

It is time that we in Ireland wake up to the fact that we are not exempt from such acts of terror. We must ensure that we not only have security at organised public events, such as concerts and matches, but that armed gardaí and members of the Defence Forces are also present. We must move away from the days when the only check carried out on those going to a concert was for alcohol in a handbag or bag. Members of the public have called me today and told me that they now fear going to such organised events. A constituent who is to go to the upcoming Coldplay concert at Croke Park told me shortly before I came into the Chamber that he is seriously considering not going because he is worried about his safety. It is not good enough that 82,000 of our citizens looking to enjoy an event and a night out could be subjected to such acts of terror. We must protect these people.

I call on the Government to ensure that members of our armed forces are on hand at organised public events where large numbers of people are congregated in order to deal with situations that may arise or to prevent an incident such as that which occurred last night from happening. It is my honest belief that we are currently not prepared for attacks of this nature.

It is simply not good enough. It is the responsibility of Government and the Members of the House to ensure we do everything necessary to ensure the safety and peace of mind of our citizens especially when attending such public events in mass numbers. Our thoughts, prayers and sincere sympathies are with the people affected by such an horrific event.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing us to pay our respects. It is very thoughtful, right and proper. I also thank the Taoiseach.

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