Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask for the Chair's indulgence and the House to join me in extending our deepest sympathy to the family of a bright young hurling star, Niall Donoghue, who won an under-21 all-Ireland medal with Galway last year and starred on the senior team this year and died tragically last night. It goes without saying the hurling community and the community of Kilbeacanty, outside Gort, are devastated at this news. I extend to his dad, Francis; his brother, Shane, who is on his way home from Australia; and his sister, Orla, who is a student in Athlone our deepest sympathy. This is an awful time for the family and his club and county colleagues. It is a difficult time for all young people around the county. We urge them to look out for each other and think today of the Donoghue family. Young Niall lost his mam when he was four or five years of age, which makes his loss more tragic and difficult. I ask Members to remember the Donoghue family in their prayers today.

I support the comments made by Senators Darragh O'Brien, Ivana Bacik and Cáit Keane that we should be slow and measured in our response to the publicity surrounding the Roma children. I was in the Chair last night when the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, gave a measured and thoughtful response to the breaking news. It is welcome that he said this morning that when the reports of the HSE and the Garda are completed, he intends to pass them on to the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, for her consideration. Our thoughts must be with the families and the children who have been affected. I also welcome the indication from the Minister that all services and supports will be put in place for them immediately. Thankfully, the cases had a happy ending. We await with interest the reports from the Garda and the HSE.