David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend Greece’s Syriza party on its fantastic election result and wish it well in its work. I also support the calls for a debate on a debt conference which I believe Ireland should host. It would be a good initiative to come out of the Greek election results. I too am opposed to any sell-off of Aer Lingus because of its importance.

In Waterford city, over the past couple of nights there have been several arson attacks on community sporting facilities. A local GAA club and a local youth resource centre were burned to the ground while a local boxing club had much damage done to it. I spoke with a Garda chief superintendent in Waterford city this morning. He was clear that a small criminal element is trying to exercise control and intimidate a community in one part of Waterford city. It is essentially putting it up to that community because it has been challenged over criminal and anti-social behaviour in which it has been involved for a long time. If it is putting it up to this community, there is an obligation on all of us, politicians included, to respond.

When the Leader was a councillor, he was based in the part of Waterford city in question. I am sure he is aware of the significant level of community and sporting work done by volunteers on the ground there. People in the community are concerned over these incidents but they are also angry. They want a holistic response from civic and political leaders and An Garda Síochána to comprehensively deal with this issue for once and for all and to take on those who are putting it up to decent people. I am sure the Leader will agree with me on this.

There will be a need to rebuild the facilities and buildings damaged. Accordingly, there may be resource issues. I hope the various Departments and organs of the State will be in a position to help financially the community in question as it tries to rebuild those buildings fire-damaged by those criminals.