Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

As a society, we have to make it clear that there is no hiding place for these thugs on this island. If we are to think of our society as civilised, we must ensure these individuals cannot avail of any hiding place. I am sure the Rafferty family has taken great comfort and guidance from the endeavours of the McCartney family. We all know what the McCartneys achieved in similar circumstances. I know the Rafferty family will not give up until the killers of Joseph Rafferty receive their just punishment. I wish the Rafferty family well in their endeavours and I offer them the support of this side of the House, for what it is worth. I encourage all decent minded people to help the Garda Síochána in whatever way they can.

If it is the case that members of Sinn Féin know something about the death of Joseph Rafferty, I appeal to them to come forward to give such information to the Garda. That party should not make the mistakes it made in the McCartney case, when it denied that Sinn Féin members were involved and then offered to shoot the killers of Robert McCartney. Those associated with Sinn Féin should give the Garda whatever information they have, to help the Rafferty family to achieve closure. I know that the Taoiseach, who met members of the Rafferty family yesterday, will do everything in his power in this case, just as he and the Minister, Deputy McDowell, have done in the past. I wish the Rafferty family well in their endeavours.