Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister to the House and the opportunity to say a few words on this dreadful event. It is a sad reflection on our society that we are here discussing such a gruesome, cowardly act. However, it is also very necessary that we do so. The apparent intimidation that is going on in certain parts of the south inner city, as reported, is frightening. If we think of the plight of the McCartney family and move the events to Ringsend, we then have it in context. We would be derelict in our duty if we ignored this issue, the plight of the Rafferty family and the intimidation to which they had been subjected.

The Rafferty family saw their loved one gunned down in cold blood on 12 April. He died after being shot twice in the upper body as he left his home in Ongar Park, Blanchardstown. Since then, the family has been fighting hard to bring about some justice. By all accounts, we are talking about a decent man who went about his business making a life for himself and his family, including his young child. He did not rely on anyone for handouts and he went out and made it happen for himself. When he was not working in his job as a courier, he was doing other work to make life even better for himself and his family. That his life was worth so little is disgusting. That the person who murdered him is still walking among us is a disgrace and if the person is receiving the protection of any organisation, democratic or otherwise, then that person should be exposed for what he is.

Any article that I have read on this murder draws comparisons with the killing of Robert McCartney. Many observers much closer to the situation have suggested such similarities. I am not in a position to offer a view one way or the other as to who committed this dreadful murder, but I have spoken to people who are much closer to the situation and it is hard not to conclude that there is a familiar hand spreading itself across the chain of events. One of my own colleagues on Dublin City Council, Councillor Gary Keegan, has been deeply involved in this issue and has a strong view as to how this dreadful deed was committed. Joseph Rafferty's family are obviously heartbroken and there will never be a day when they do not remember him. They deserve justice and they deserve our assistance in acquiring that justice. The family is now embarking on a nationwide campaign in order to bring about that justice and I wish them well.

Comments have been made that the gunman is known to all and sundry. It is stated that he was recently seen at a Sinn Féin rally in the city. That is also denied by the Sinn Féin councillors on Dublin City Council and by the Sinn Féin representatives in the Dáil. Councillor Keegan stated in Dublin City Hall that Joseph Rafferty was executed over a meaningless petty grudge which was fuelled by a little thug and his mother who resides with the alleged killer. It is a sad reflection on our society that a thug like the man in question has the power to cause another man's life to be snuffed out in such a callous and cold manner. It says something about us all.

I have been informed that the Garda is doing a good job in this case. I have been led to believe that the Rafferty family is quite satisfied with the progress being made by the force. I encourage all those with any knowledge, no matter how small, of this issue to contact the Garda Síochána. The police should assure those who come forward that they will receive all possible protection from the force. There is no doubt that in circumstances of this nature, a fear of reprisal can influence the actions of the most upstanding members of society. We do not need any proof of what these people are capable of doing. Anyone who comes forward to give information to the Garda should be given some form of assurance, in so far as it is possible.