Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

We are all shocked and horrified by the brutal murder in Galway yesterday of Manuela Riedo from Switzerland. In the history of the State, we have never had so many murders occurring in one week. This is a horrific ordeal for the student population of Galway, which totals 20,000, as well as their families. Those whose children have studied abroad under the ERASMUS programme will share the grief of the families involved. I hope the person responsible will be brought to justice. I appeal for full co-operation with the Garda Síochána in the regions dealing with murders. Every murder is important and significant to the families of those who have died. I share the grief of all those affected by the tragic deaths in Dublin in the past week. I know the House will support me in that regard.

While I am aware that there will be a debate on Shannon today the motion before the House does not include this point: Dermot Mannion must have a death wish for Aer Lingus because he is proceeding with the hub in Belfast despite not having negotiated with the pilots. He will dismiss all the pilots and withdraw a service from the mid-west.