Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to express my deep revulsion at the untimely execution of Garda Adrian Donohoe while he carried out his duties in County Louth. I was going to seek the adjournment of the Order of Business but I understand that a debate on policing may be arranged for next week.

On many occasions we have discussed the lack of resources for gardaí, the closure of rural and urban stations, the declining numbers of gardaí and the mothballing of the Templemore Garda Training College. Yesterday the most powerful point was made by a cleric during his homily at a most poignant and solemn occasion, the funeral of Garda Donohoe. The priest stood on his altar and referred to these issues in the presence of the Taoiseach, the Minister for Justice and Equality and many Cabinet Members. I have no doubt that the cleric expressed a matter of major concern, and would have prior consent from the deceased's family and the gardaí, from Commissioner level right down to the root and branch gardaí working on the streets. The most powerful case was made yesterday. The Seanad debate next week and the Dáil debate yesterday will not have the same impact as the priest's words. We should all reflect on his words. I hope that when Deputy Shatter comes here next week he will have the courage to accept many of the points made by the priest yesterday.