Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important issue.

The latest claim of responsibility by so-called dissident republicans for the murder of a man found in north Belfast yesterday is a dark reminder of the grave threats that unfortunately still hang over Northern Ireland. I am very loath to use the description "dissidents" to identify the criminals involved or to debase the term "republican" by associating it with them. Yesterday's grim discovery was sharp proof of the brutal criminality by a small number who continue to stalk Northern Ireland. Similarly, the brutal murder in Derry today is another source of serious concern, and I note comments attributed to the SDLP Assembly Member, Pat Ramsey, onThe Irish Timeswebsite which read as follows: "there is no doubt whatsoever that dissidents were involved".

These murders come at a critical juncture in the peace process. The arrival of Ambassador Haass and Dr. Megan O'Sullivan represents a real opportunity to give the process a badly needed shot in the arm and, indeed, a new impetus. The politics of division embraced by Sinn Féin and the DUP has crippled necessary further progress on that valuable peace process. They both appear to be content with playing to their respective galleries for partisan gain. That is not the leadership which would be expected from an executive. This atmosphere of mutual stagnation is a fertile breeding ground for dissident activity and the kind of loyalist thuggery we saw during the flag protests.

In a fragile society like Northern Ireland, if the institutions fail to bring about real benefits on the bread and butter issues of politics, it inevitably creates a climate for violence by a small number in some communities. The simmering threat by violent groups that occasionally flares up, as we saw yesterday, is a major concern and must be addressed by the Northern Ireland Executive supported by the Irish and British Governments. The crippling impact loyalist groups had on Belfast city centre at the end of last year and in the early months of this year and the devastating impact it had on the local economy is a testament to the unfinished business of the peace process.

It goes without saying that progress achieved in the Good Friday Agreement and, indeed, in the St. Andrews Agreement has been of enormous benefit to us all on this island. As we know, the Republic of Ireland is a key stakeholder in that process. In its submission to the Haass panel, Fianna Fáil affirmed the need to ensure the Republic, in co-operation with Britain, continues to act as guarantor for the process and continues to assist in driving it on. The brutal murder discovered yesterday should spur on the important work with which we are charged. The Government simply cannot afford to neglect Northern Ireland nor can the British Government.

The Government should take action to deal with a number of specific issues. One is to ensure the ongoing co-operation of the Garda and PSNI. That is a working relationship we have all seen improve dramatically over the past decade. The resource restraints being placed on the Garda should not interfere with its vital work in tackling the terrorist threat in Northern Ireland. The second is supporting the Haass panel and encouraging it not to go short simply for the sake of a deal. This is a chance to confront the unfinished business of the peace process. It is an opportunity to move Northern Ireland further along that path and to realise that the peace process is about more than just the absence of violence. However, that is not to underestimate in any way the importance of ridding our society of that violence.

The Government has to step up to its historic responsibilities, and the current juncture is a real chance to do so. Yesterday's discovery should act as a further motivation to rise to these challenges.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I join the Tánaiste in offering sincere sympathies to the families of the two men murdered in north Belfast and in Derry. We both utterly condemn these vicious, brutal and cowardly murders, as has Deputy Smith.

As the Tánaiste stated earlier, the people of Belfast and Derry and, indeed, people all over Ireland have moved on. There is no justification for crimes against the community. While investigations are at an early stage, it seems clear that criminal terrorists in the guise of so-called dissident republicans were involved. I noted the Deputy's reluctance to use the words "dissident" and "republican" in his description of them, with which I entirely agree. As is clear to us all, the only motivation for these murders is self-interest as opposed to any broader agenda for the communities in Northern Ireland or in our State. My colleagues in this House are at one with me in expressing horror at what has happened. These people have no mandate and their actions lead nowhere.

The Deputy will know that these so-called dissident republicans are criminal terrorists who will readily use lethal violence in pursuit of their own, often personal, ends. They have more than just a passing acquaintance with organised crime to fund their activities and lifestyles, and they have no regard for life or law.

The Minister for Justice and Equality and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland held one of their regular meetings on 23 September to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the security situation and ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. The threats to peace posed by dissident groups are undoubtedly serious. Since 2009, a series of violent attacks by these dissident groups has taken place, resulting in injuries and in the deaths of two British Army personnel, two PSNI officers and a member of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

The deaths of Sappers Quinsey and Azimkar, Constable Carroll, Constable Kerr and Mr. David Black, the routine so-called punishment attacks and murders of civilians along with the continuing threats against the Police Service of Northern Ireland are viewed with widespread revulsion across society on the island of Ireland. It is clear that these people enjoy no popular support within the community. They have nothing to offer the people and they have been overwhelmingly rejected.

The Deputy asked this Government to live up to its role and obligations in the North. I assure him of our continued commitment to do so. The Tánaiste has continued to engage in intensive discussions with political, civic and community leaders in recent months. In his regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he has emphasised the Government's role as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement. Both Governments have restated their support for the Executive's work towards creating a shared society and prosperous economy in Northern Ireland, as outlined in the Executive's Together: Building a United Community strategy.

During his recent visit to Belfast, and in forthcoming visits to Deny, Armagh and Belfast, the Tánaiste has met, and will continue to meet, community and business leaders in support of their ongoing work towards a reconciled and prosperous future for everyone on this island. In his contacts with political leaders in Northern Ireland, he has urged them to seize the opportunity presented by the Haass talks to deal with the contentious issues of flags, parades and the past.

The Deputy can be assured of the continued commitment of the Government to ensure the Garda Commissioner and the PSNI Chief Constable place strong emphasis on the close and high quality co-operation between the two police services which is essential to face down this paramilitary threat.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I share the Minister of State's revulsion and the comments he made on behalf of the Tánaiste in regard to these desperate murders. I happened to be in my office at 1 o'clock today and I listened to Tommy Gorman report from Northern Ireland. I did not think we would be back to the days when we would have to listen to a report about two murders linked to the activity of those terror groups. We need constantly to send out a very clear message that we need to be vigilant and diligent in regard to the peace process. While it does not in any way excuse violence or terrorism, there are some communities, in particular in the urban areas, which need investment in education, in upskilling their people and in jobs, but that is not easy.

I do not say that to excuse violence or terrorism in any way. As we are debating Northern Ireland today, we should be focusing on the major investment conference that takes place in Belfast tomorrow. I did not think we would have to speak about a matter of major concern like the appalling deaths of two people at the hands of so-called dissidents. The Garda Síochána and the PSNI should receive absolute and total co-operation from every right-minded person on this island as they hunt down the murderers and bring them to justice.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I have taken careful note of Deputy Smith's remarks. As he said, there is no rationale for acts of terrorism like the killings of recent days. Like the Deputy, I did not think I would have to speak about two murders in the week of a conference that has been organised to try to create a prosperous and inclusive society and ensure Northern Ireland will have the kind of bright future we all want for it. The Deputy referred to a number of areas in which the Government needs to engage. I can categorically assure him that we strongly support the process in Northern Ireland. He spoke about the need for close co-operation between the PSNI and the Garda Síochána and said the two police forces need the right support to do all of their work. As I indicated in my opening statement, both forces and both governments could not be more supportive of the need for tight and integrated co-operation to deal with the criminality that is at the heart of the difficulties mentioned by the Deputy.

I have heard Deputy Smith raise the Haass process on a number of occasions in this House. I was present last week when the Tánaiste outlined the Government's support for it. The Tánaiste and his Government colleagues have engaged in dialogue as part of that process. We are doing all we can to ensure it is successful and inclusive. The Deputy spoke about the need for broader and continued Government engagement in Northern Ireland. When the Tánaiste responded to this point earlier today, he made it clear that he has planned a number of visits to the North, as one would expect. As a sign of my commitment and that of the Department of the Taoiseach to this issue, I will visit Stormont next Wednesday to talk about the broader issue of Europe, with specific reference to the Government's commitment to supporting European investment in the North.

Of course the Deputy is correct when he suggests that the best antidote to this kind of terror and criminality is a prosperous and secure future for all the communities in the North. In addition to the work being done by the PSNI and the Garda to deal with the terrible murders that have been mentioned, it should be emphasised that the Government, Deputy Smith and all the other Deputies in this House will continue to do all we can to ensure investment is in place to prevent people from being tempted by the kinds of incentives referred to by the Deputy.