Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

It is great to see Senator Kate Walsh back in the House. I congratulate her and all candidates on their performances in the recent by-elections. I will not say anything about the results as I am sure the Government has its own analysis as to what went wrong. It is safe to say, however, that the makeover made no difference.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform stated earlier that he will consider amending the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 to give extra protection to emergency service workers, particularly those in the frontline — gardaí, nurses, doctors and firefighters — who are obliged to deal on a daily basis with threats, assaults and other acts of violence while performing their duties. The House has a responsibility to provide protection to these people who work in difficult circumstances and continually put their lives on the line for this country. I would like the Leader to obtain from the Minister a commitment to introduce an amendment on Committee Stage when the Bill comes to the House.

Like many others in this House the image of St. Patrick's Day last week for me was the image of the McCartney sisters in Washington meeting the US President and other congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. As they came home from the campaign they took to the United States of America, it was appalling to see, daubed on the walls in the Short Strand area of Belfast, the slogan: "Whatever you say, say nothing." If ever there was an example of courage and of people who simply want the truth and justice for their murdered brother it is the example of the McCartney sisters. They should not be diverted or put off by the kind of scurrilous campaign some elements in our society are directing against them. They have a simple task, namely, to fight for justice for their brother who was murdered in the most appalling circumstances. There is consensus and a unified view in this House and the same is virtually true in the Lower House, which supports them in their campaign to get justice for their brother. These are people who have shown great courage against adversity. They have stood up to the "mafia" elements that are prevalent in Northern Ireland and in this jurisdiction. We should support them in their good fight for justice.