Dáil debates

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

2:30 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There will be no dissent with the Government from this side of the House today. On behalf of the Fine Gael Party — I am sure I speak for everybody — I would like to express our sympathy to the families, friends and connections of three men murdered in Northern Ireland in the recent past, Mark Quinsey, Patrick Azimkar and Stephen Carroll. I am sure the Taoiseach and all Members share my sense of revulsion at these cowardly deeds, carried out by twisted minds on the basis of a return to an armed struggle, despite the fact the vast majority of people, North and South, have voted for a peace process so many people have worked so hard to put in place.

The persons who carried out these murders have no mandate for their actions. They have openly defied the expressed will of the people of Ireland, North and South, to leave violence in the past and live together in peace. In doing what they did, they attempted to subvert the democratic process. This cannot and will not be tolerated.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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These are testing times for the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland. The leaders of the parties in the Assembly are to be commended for their openness and their response to these murders. I urge them to appeal to their supporters to co-operate fully with the police investigations now taking place, so that those responsible can be brought to justice. I urge the Garda Síochána to provide every possible assistance to this investigation in order that this sad, tragic saga can be ended quickly and that those responsible can be brought before the jurisdiction of the courts.

The Fine Gael Party, as always, stands ready to support the actions of the Government in its attempts and co-operation with the authorities in Northern Ireland to bring the perpetrators of these murders to justice in the shortest possible time. While many issues divide us in terms of working here, such as economic issues, on this issue there is no division nor dissent. I offer the full support of the Fine Gael Party to the Government in its efforts in this matter.

Does the Taoiseach consider it would be an appropriate response from the House to set aside an hour, either this evening or tomorrow, for an all-party agreed motion condemning the murders of these three men carrying out their duties? Does he agree we should send a clear message from Dáil Éireann of the support of all Members of the House in condemning outright these murders and to the supporters of our democratic systems that this institution will not be trampled upon by people of twisted minds and evil deeds? When the Taoiseach travels next week to the United States, he should carry with him a strong and clear mandate in respect of our attitude towards violence and atrocities on these shores.

My simple request is that the Taoiseach allows us an appropriate time, an hour or so tomorrow, for an agreed motion in the House condemning these murders.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the sentiments Deputy Kenny expressed, including the need for this House to take time tomorrow, in a structured debate by way of an agreed motion, to make clear its repugnance at this attempt by self-appointed people who claim to speak on behalf of the Irish people. They have no mandate to do so. These are dastardly deeds, cowardly acts, the wanton murders of three individuals and the serious injury of others who will, hopefully, continue to recover. Tomorrow we should make it very clear, both at home and abroad, that this peace process belongs to the people of Ireland, that the people's will shall not be undermined by anybody in this country who seeks to speak in their names and that we are unequivocal, as we always have been in this House, about those who seek to claim political ends through violent means. There is no politics to this; it is murder, plain and simple. We will work with the PSNI through our authorities, our security services and the Garda Síochána, in every way we can to ensure the subversive threat to our hard-won democracy will not be subject to such actions by people who speak for nobody.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Taoiseach for that. These shots that took away the lives of people on our island have reverberated around the world sending a message of uncertainty and confusion. That is why it is important that this institution and its counterpart in Northern Ireland stand firm on this, that we reject those messages of confusion and uncertainty and that we stand absolutely behind the peace process so painstakingly put together by so many people and being implemented for the past ten years. The pictures in today's newspapers of the little children looking back at the flowers are such as we have not seen anywhere on this island for quite some time, and thought we might never see again.

In the questions we have had here over recent months we have discussed this activity of dissident republican groups and the Taoiseach is aware of the Chief Constable's decision to bring in extra expertise, as he saw it, to deal with analysis of and investigation into happenings in Northern Ireland. Have our security forces, the Garda, specialist units or military personnel, received any information about developments from republican dissident groups, whether Continuity IRA or Real IRA? Has the Taoiseach been briefed by his own sources on the extent of recruitment by the Continuity IRA or Real IRA that has been going on in our jurisdiction? Has he any information on that? Has the Taoiseach spoken to the Garda Commissioner and the Chief of Staff about making available whatever they consider necessary for our security forces to deal with that element of recruitment or activity from either of these or any other dissident republican group that might be active in plotting activities such as those that have resulted in these tragic cases? The Independent Monitoring Commission made a number of observations on this and I wonder if the Taoiseach has been brought up to date by the security chiefs on what level of activity has been ongoing in this jurisdiction.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Síochána is in very close contact with the PSNI and co-operation on pursuing those responsible and seeking to prevent any further incidents remains at the highest level. The Garda Commissioner and Chief Constable are meeting next Thursday and the Chief Constable has publicly recognised the excellent co-operation between the two forces. We have been very conscious of the threat posed by dissidents and that is why, despite the political progress in the North, the Garda has continued to deploy extensive resources targeting their activities. Despite the political progress in recent years, we have retained a full legislative armoury for dealing with terrorist groups.

The harsh reality is that it takes only a small group of people with limited resources to cause this kind of carnage. They have no support in the community. The Government remains determined that the peace process will not be jeopardised by the actions of a small minority. I receive security briefings regularly. Yesterday I was briefed on the latest sad developments. The Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Foreign Affairs and I are determined to ensure the Garda and the security services in this country will continue to work very closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland. We will ensure the continuation of the extensive surveillance and intelligence they have built up over many years, to which we are grateful for having deterred other incidents which, had they been allowed to proceed without intervention could have meant loss of life and limb. Many of these successes are not brought to public attention, but the vigilance is of a very high order and the professionalism of the Garda in this matter has been recognised by those who depend on that co-operation, for example the Chief Constable, Hugh Orde, and the wider community throughout the island.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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This is a sad day, and one which we had all hoped we would not have to revisit. We are in the wake of two horrific murders of two young soldiers on Saturday night, the horrific murder last night of a police officer and the injuries that were inflicted on the pizza delivery people. This was firstly an attack on human beings. Two young men going out to collect a pizza, unarmed, were shot down. It was a cowardly act. The police officer murdered last night was a public servant going out to respond to an apparent call for assistance from a member of the public. He was doing the work we would expect any police officer to do in the normal course of duty, and he walked into a trap and was shot down and murdered.

This was an attack on democracy. These attacks were intended to undermine the democratic institutions established in Northern Ireland. It is important that we stand together in this House, just as the political parties stood together yesterday in the Northern Ireland Assembly, to roundly condemn this and to say we are not having it and that there will be no going back to the past. It was an unpatriotic act. This country, North and South, faces enormous economic difficulties. People are losing their jobs and businesses. We need investment in our country and jobs created. The last thing we need is a message going out to the wider world that there is trouble in Ireland again. Those of us who have been in contact internationally with companies, governments and political parties know that people do not distinguish between North and South. They see there is trouble in Ireland and it will do damage all around.

It is critically important that those responsible for the murders last night and on Saturday night are brought to justice. The Taoiseach said the legislation is in place and I would like to hear him express confidence that they will be brought to justice. As Deputy Kenny said, we have talked here on previous occasions during questions to the Taoiseach about the possible threats from dissident republicans. We are discussing a small number of isolated people who do not enjoy a mandate or public support. Now is the time to weed out this and to deal with it. It is important this is dealt with quickly by the security forces and the police forces here and in Northern Ireland and that it is not allowed to grow and that if there is a pattern and this is the start of some kind of campaign that it is stopped effectively by the means open to the Government and to the instruments of the State.

I appreciate that the Taoiseach may be constrained in informing us on the public record as to the intelligence available to the Government. However, will he brief the leaders of the Opposition parties in respect of the measures which will and can be taken to bring this to an end and to ensure we do not have a continuation of what we have seen in recent days?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I agree and join with Deputy Gilmore in stating that all right-thinking people in this country and anywhere would be determined that the perpetrators of these acts would be brought to justice as quickly as possible. Therefore, the first step in the process of bringing people to justice is to ensure the fullest possible co-operation exists between our respective police authorities on the island and this is the case. This co-operation, as we know, is not new. It is of very long standing and a seamless relationship has built up, particularly in recent years during the time of the peace process, which has enabled the security services and the Garda to work closely with those charged with protecting law and order in Northern Ireland to do whatever is necessary to have under surveillance and monitor these people to ensure they do not succeed. Unfortunately, as we know, we had these two incidents in the past 72 hours. These are the first such deeds we have seen in many years. We are all determined that this matter will be dealt with as strenuously and comprehensively as possible and with the same degree of determination we saw in the past when such acts were even more frequent.

The Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Foreign Affairs are in Northern Ireland discussing this matter with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. They will be here tomorrow and can brief leaders and spokespersons as required with the information, consistent with the confidentiality that goes with some of these matters.

I share with Deputy Gilmore the view that the impact or consequences of this can be far wider than the loss of life, which is the most serious consequence of such deeds. The peace process is resilient and has proven its ability to overcome great difficulties in the past. The determination of the ordinary people of the island of Ireland, North and South, should never be underestimated by these people. This resilience and commitment to peace and harmony and moving forward together has been exemplified not only by the unanimity expressed in this House this afternoon but that expressed yesterday in the Northern Ireland Assembly. I was heartened by the united stand taken by the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister and by all in the Northern Ireland Assembly who are determined to ensure that these people - they do not represent anyone nor do they have a democratic mandate - will not in any way influence events in a way they would hope because everyone remains focused on the future and on ensuring that the investigations and subsequent prosecutions for these acts of murder are brought to a successful conclusion.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I welcome the fact that the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Foreign Affairs are meeting the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland today. I also welcome the fact that the Garda and the PSNI are in contact. I hope this will help to bring the perpetrators to justice and that there will be a high level of co-operation to ensure this happens. I agree with what the Taoiseach said regarding the resilience of the peace process and the institutions. The legislation enacted following the Omagh bombing, which was quite severe in both jurisdictions, was aimed at identifying the Omagh bombers, bringing them to justice and ensuring there would not be a repeat. Is the Taoiseach satisfied this legislation is sufficiently robust and extensive to deal with this situation and with any future situations which might arise? It is hoped they will not.

As we speak about the fallout from these horrific events, it is important to remember that ultimately, this is a human tragedy where three people have lost their lives. All of our sympathies are with their families, friends and those close to them. I take this opportunity to express my sympathy and that of the Labour Party with all of those who were close to the three men who lost their lives.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I concur with Deputy Gilmore and the sentiments he expressed regarding the legislation. There has been no indication from Garda authorities that there is any inadequacy in respect of the legislation which was introduced at the time to enhance the framework to which we were operating already. If it is relevant in these circumstances it will of course be used to the full. I join Deputies Gilmore and Kenny, and on all our behalf and on behalf of the Irish people, I offer our sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and to confirm to them that we will do all we can to see that justice is served in this matter.