Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Hannigan, MacSharry, Callely, Hanafin, Norris, Harris, O'Reilly, Glynn, Mullen, Feeney, McFadden, Ormonde, Phelan, Carty, Bacik, Regan and Coghlan all expressed their shock and horror and Senator Harris of course had very strong words of condemnation as regards the events in Northern Ireland in the last couple of days. I will pass on Senator Harris's suggestions to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform at the conclusion of today's Order of Business.

I wish to join with all Senators in condemning in the strongest possible terms the murders of the two young soldiers, 21 year old Patrick Azimkar and 23 year old Mark Quinsey at the barracks on Saturday night as well as the murder of Police Constable Stephen Carroll, which took place last night. It is with a deep sense of sadness and revulsion that we learned of these despicable murders. We had all hoped the senseless violence which was utterly rejected by the people of this island, North and South, was a thing of the past. Tragically, a tiny group of people is attempting to undermine the peace and stability we have been experiencing here for the past decade. They cannot and will not be permitted to undermine the will of the Irish people on this island and the peace we have worked so hard for. This has been the greatest political achievement in living memory on foot of the Good Friday Agreement. We must stand in solidarity to ensure that violence and hatred are not allowed to triumph over peace and democracy.

On behalf of this House I extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of the men who have died and those who have been injured as well as to their friends and colleagues in the army and Police Service of Northern Ireland. I look forward to seeing those responsible being swiftly brought to justice for these despicable crimes.

The events depicted on television screens in the past three days, as Senator Bacik said, would make one believe one was watching a programme such as "Reeling in the Years". I shall certainly pass on the strong views expressed by all Senators, particularly those of Senator Harris, to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, as regards what has taken place. As Senator John Carty said, the sight of the three congregations coming together on Sunday and showing the people of Ireland the maturity that now exists in Northern Ireland has served as a shining example and hopefully will increase our determination to help in any way we can. There is no safe haven in the South of Ireland and we want that message to go out loud and clear. I wish the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces all the support we can give them.

As we discuss the new appointment of probably one of the greatest Irishmen ever to serve the State, Mr. Dermot Gallagher, and what he did for the Good Friday Agreement, and the enormous respect he has earned both nationally and internationally, I look forward to the contributions from Senators in that regard this afternoon.

I have no difficulty in arranging a debate on planning, as called for by a number Senators. Senator MacSharry has called for an urgent debate in this regard, and I believe it is timely. Fianna Fáil Private Members' time will be coming up the week after next and we shall be including issues that colleagues have brought to my attention in relation to matters pertaining to planning issues, which are not assisting those who wish to develop and create employment against the background of the present economic difficulties. They are seeking the help of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as regards simple understandings in relation to the Act.

Senator Hannigan called for a debate on students, apprenticeships and all of these areas, particularly in relation to the construction industry. As I said last week, I have no difficulty having such a debate. Senator MacSharry highlighted some of the problems of protecting jobs in times of economic difficulty and referred to contracts for the HSE going outside the country. The Houses of the Oireachtas have to lead by example on what may be done to assist all lines of industry and employment, particularly in times such as these. The Senator stressed the issue of public procurement in particular and I have no difficulty in arranging a debate on these issues at the earliest possible opportunity.

Senators Mullen, Ormonde and Callely called for a debate on education in light of the National Competitiveness Council report, which is published today. I look forward to allocating time for this. As I said during the debate on intellectual property with the Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Devins, the week before last, serious consideration should be given as a matter of urgency to increasing the points for mathematics and science in the leaving certificate. This should be done as a matter of urgency because the American Chamber of Commerce has warned industry that we may not have the graduates available for meaningful employment if they do not posses the standards required in mathematics and science.

Senator Callely called for a debate on the Goodbody report on the up-to-date situation on taxis. I know he has always been very committed on this issue and I have no difficulty about time being allocated.