James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like everybody else, one can only be saddened by events in the past two weeks. Certainly, the loss of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, R116, and its crew reminds us in a real way of the dangers so many servicemen and women face when they go to help others and us. I saw the helicopter frequently passing over the beach at Rush. I offer my sympathy to the families of Dara Fitzpatrick, Mark Duffy, Ciarán Smith and Paul Ormsby. Senator Joe O'Reilly mentioned Captain Dara Fitzpatrick's grand-uncle. Her dad was the sheriff to whom we all had to submit our election forms for many years. I express my particular sympathy to him and also to the family of Ciarán Smith from Oldtown, County Dublin. His dad still works and gives service in one of our schools in Donabate.

I also express my sympathy to Sinn Féin and the family of the late Martin McGuinness. I would not profess to have known him as well as many others. However, when I did get to know him, I was struck immediately by his warm personality. He led a remarkable life for somebody who had turned to violence early on, presumably through frustration. He turned to the path of peace and became a key figure in achieving a peace we all now enjoy but one which we must always remember is fragile and one we will have to continue to work hard to maintain. To Martin's family, I extend my deepest sympathy.