Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I condemn the terrible murder of publican, Matt Farrell, who ran the Gaelic Bar in Daingean in County Offaly, by ruthless criminals who tied him up and robbed him. It is an abhorrent crime against people who are living alone and vulnerable people who are active and strong but overcome by forces out to destroy society if they can. I commend the Garda Síochána which has 100 gardaí working on the case. The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, met the Taoiseach in whose constituency this murder occurred. It is also the constituency of the Cathaoirleach. This murder has deprived a family of a father and grandfather. He was a fine upstanding man. I am sure the Cathaoirleach knew him personally. He was a former worker in Bord na Móna.

Many similar crimes are occurring at the moment. In Ballinlough, County Roscommon, a crime occurred in mid-March. The Garda apprehended those criminals who had robbed approximately €30,000 from the Ballinlough post office. I know everyone will be working with the Garda Síochána in Daingean and in surrounding areas. We need more activity through the community alert scheme. People need to be more conscious of surveillance being carried out on houses and pubs. We all need to work to ensure these people are apprehended as quickly as possible. It is causing great concern and anxiety among elderly people living alone in rural areas. All we can do is extend our deepest sympathy to the Farrell family on their tragic loss.