John Carty (Fianna Fail)

Over the weekend I attended two commemorations. The first was at Dublin Castle where the 83 members of the Garda who have given their lives doing their duty since the foundation of the State were honoured. The memorial is a garden of remembrance, which is well worth visiting. I congratulate everybody involved, including An Taoiseach who presided over the events of the day, the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and Chief Superintendent Colm Rooney who put so much work into it. The following day I attended a commemoration in Murrisk, County Mayo. I was delighted that two other Members attended, namely Senators McFadden and Norris. It was also a poignant commemoration and I again congratulate everybody involved, especially the people of Murrisk who put in so much work. It was a beautiful day in a scenic location at the foot of Croagh Patrick. Will the Leader arrange a minute's silence to commemorate the brave people who died during the Famine or who had to emigrate and the brave gardaí who gave their lives to preserve the State?