Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle as an am agus an deis seo a thabhairt dom. I join previous speakers in extending my support and solidarity to the children and their carer who were impacted by the horrific event in Parnell Square on a recent Thursday afternoon, and also their wider community, especially their school community. I acknowledge, as has been referenced by previous speakers, that among the first responders to that incident were NEPS psychologists, the school psychologists from the Department of Education. They were there on the Thursday and again on the Friday to work with senior management when the school was closed, then again over the weekend, on Sunday, to work with senior management, and again on Monday when the school reopened. They are there every single day to support these children and the school community as it finds a way forward after this horrific and tragic incident.

We tell our young people in our schools that all will be well when we work together in solidarity, mind each other, support each other and work as a cohesive unit. How shameful for them to see the politicking that is going on inside and outside this Chamber by those who should know better, those who seek to sow division and divisiveness and those who should show leadership, solidarity and community cohesion at a time when we need it in this country.

I have 100% confidence in the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in recognition of the strong and positive work she does every single day in the name of communities right across this country. As the Minister for Justice, she has wide responsibilities and functions, chief among which is the tackling of crime and ensuring that those who perpetrate crime are brought to justice. The Minister is wholeheartedly to doing this in respect of those who wreaked havoc in our national capital. I have every confidence she will succeed.

See this speech in context