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

No, I am discussing the European Council meeting. It is an interesting insight that, although there are 28 countries in the EU and one of them - Spain - is riven by a severe constitutional crisis, no one mentioned Catalonia. I will leave that point with the Taoiseach.

Ireland should stand with other countries in condemning the brutal murder of the investigative journalist, Ms Daphne Galizia, in Malta. The Taoiseach mentioned that this was briefly discussed, but we should all remember the sense of national shock in Ireland when Ms Veronica Guerin was murdered 21 years ago. Such an attack on a journalist strikes at the heart of democracy in our society. This particular murder is chilling. Ms Galizia's family members have been clear, in that they believe European assistance is required if those behind the murder are to be found. Did the Taoiseach make a contribution on this aspect of the debate at the Council meeting? Did the issue of Europe giving extra capacity to support an independent investigation arise? That journalist was getting at some clear truths and many people were worried about her work. It is chilling that she was murdered in such a manner.

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