Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to join colleagues in extending my deepest sympathy to the Lynch, Connors and Gilbert families who lost ten members of their families in the appalling tragedy in Carrickmines. It certainly brings home to us how fragile life is and how lives can be snuffed out in an instant as a result of an appalling accident. I think of the extended Traveller family throughout the country, some of whom, in my town of Ballinasloe, lost relatives in Carrickmines at the weekend. I also think of the two children who are fighting for their lives and hope they make a full recovery.

I want to join in the expressions of praise for the emergency services and I think of the awful trauma that they face on an ongoing basis when called out to such horrific accidents. I am glad that every support will be given to those families and that all accommodation on halting sites will be examined. I also am pleased that counselling services are being made available to the many members of the families which have been impacted upon as a result of this appalling tragedy.

I also join others in expressing sympathy and offering our prayers and support to Nicola Golden on the loss of her husband, Tony, who was shot in a senseless killing in Omeath at the weekend, and to her three children and his extended family. He served the State well. He was a true gentleman who was only concerned for family and colleagues and the community that he served so well.I share the anger of my colleague who referred to the need to discuss the availability of weaponry. We think of the families concerned. I hope the support they receive from the communities in which they live will be of some comfort to them. As Senator Barrett stated, we hope that anything the families require of the State, including the Legislature, will be forthcoming.