Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 19 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. I thank all the Senators who spoke eloquently, passionately and sincerely about the awful tragedy and atrocity that happened in Manchester last evening. We must all stand united in the fight against terrorism. I agree with the overarching remarks of Members of the House regarding the way in which the world has moved. I would be happy to arrange a debate on foreign affairs issues, specifically the way the world order is moving and changing. It is not about dividing and conquering or about pillorying. It is about standing united against terrorism, no matter who the perpetrators are.

Young people were killed last night after attending a concert. These men and women, boys and girls, and teenagers and young adults should be basking in the glory of that concert today. They should be talking about what they did, the songs they sung and the enjoyment they had. Today the world is united in grief and in the condemnation of terrorism. I agree with the Senators who spoke about the need to stand up to terrorism without sowing hatred or division or standing for intolerance. We must all work together in support of our right to stand up for who we are and what we represent. We must all stand for peace, love and unity. That requires political leadership. We all need to be tolerant and inclusive. We live in a world that is changing.

It is important that we stand in solidarity with the people of Manchester, as a second Irish city, and with its new mayor, Andy Burnham. We acknowledge the significant role played last night by the first responders, including emergency men and women. We thank them for their work and professionalism. We also thank the members of the community of Manchester who stood up, opened their doors and welcomed people in. Today we send our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who died, to those who are now in hospital and to those who are at home suffering the shock and the aftershock. The world must stand united today. This cowardly act of violence and terrorism has no place in our world. We must all ensure the lives of people are protected. We must stand up to terrorism, no matter who the perpetrators are.

Senator Craughwell asked about the national security committee. Today is not a day for division. The cross-departmental national security committee, the operations of which are confidential as one might expect, comprises officials from the Departments of the Taoiseach and Justice and Equality and members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.It is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach. Its job is to ensure the Government is informed and the Taoiseach is advised on high level security issues and the appropriate responses to the same threats. It also deals with national security and operational matters, which it monitors and on which informs the Government. I know where the Senator is coming from, but I certainly hope we could have that sense of confidentiality. There is accountability, to be fair.

Senator Ardagh raised the matter of beds being closed in Linn Dara in Cherry Orchard. I do not have information because I was not aware, but I am happy to have the Department liaise with the Senator on the matter. Any issue with regard to the closing of beds is a matter for the HSE at an operational level, as the Senator knows quite well. In saying this, the issue needs to be addressed because it is important we provide respite beds.