Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ar mo shon féin agus ar son Fhianna Fáil déanaim comhbhrón le clann an Gharda Colm Horkan, a fuair bás an tseachtain seo caite nuair a bhí sé ag freastal ar an bpobal. Aithnímid sa Teach seo an tseirbhís a chuireann comhaltaí den Gharda Síochána ar fáil gach lá agus na priacail mhóra a bhíonn ann agus iad ag obair ar son an phobail agus ar son na tíre. Ní dhéanfar dearmad ar íobairt mhór an Gharda Colm Horkan agus táim ag smaoineamh ag an am seo ar a mhuintir, a chairde agus a chomhghleacaithe sa Gharda Síochána.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I express deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Detective Garda Horkan gave his life defending our community as a member of An Garda Síochána. At a time when most people were sleeping safely in their beds, Detective Garda Horkan was out doing his job as a member of An Garda Síochána. It is very important that we remind ourselves that the job of a garda can be a very dangerous one and that is apparent from the tragic and brutal killing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

We can gain some courage and strength, however, from the fact that there is a fantastic relationship in this country between An Garda Síochána and members of the public. That was apparent when we saw the outpouring of grief around the country in the aftermath of Colm's death. That relationship distinguishes An Garda Síochána from police forces in other countries where they are regarded as law enforcement agencies. That is not the situation with An Garda Síochána. It is not viewed in this country as a law enforcement agency. Instead, it is viewed as a community police force providing community policing. That should be the testament and strong message that comes out of the grief we have all experienced in the aftermath of the death of Colm Horkan.

I did not know Colm Horkan, but I had the privilege of being at the Phoenix Park last Sunday for the funeral service relayed from Charlestown to the assembled gathering in the Phoenix Park. I emphasise again the strong sense of family among the members of An Garda Síochána who were grieving for the loss of their colleague. We can, however, gain comfort from the fact that Detective Garda Horkan's life was one that was very well lived. Although I did not meet him, from what people who knew him say, he was a fantastic person who served his country, community and police force well.

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