Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ar dtús, mar atá ráite ag comhghleacaithe cheana, ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón agus mo dhlúthpháirtíocht a sheoladh chuig muintir an Chraoslaigh i dTír Chonaill thar ceann ghrúpa Shinn Féin sa Seanad. Táimid croíbhriste ar fud na hÉireann mar atá ráite ag pobal Tír Chonaill agus pobail Éireannacha ar fud an domhain i ndiaidh na tragóide tubaistí a tharla i nDún na nGall ag an deireadh seachtaine.

I thank the Leader and the Cathaoirleach for organising today's minute of silence to allow us the opportunity to join in what has been a real expression nationally of sympathy, solidarity and support for the people of Creeslough. I think we were all deeply impacted by the tragic events at the weekend but also very proud of the response by the local community to what must have been a devastating and unimaginable scene to come upon. Like Senator Boyhan, I thank, in particular, the first responders whether that was of the blue-light variety or, indeed, those in the Civil Defence in the local areas who stepped into an bhearna bhaoil so into a very dangerous and volatile situation to help in the effort in Creeslough. It says a lot about the community that people were prepared to help in such a fashion.

Support is being shown around the world, as the Leader knows, whether that is monetary support or, indeed, expressions of sympathy and that is important at a time like this. It is so raw in the immediate aftermath for the community. Equally, I hope, and I am confident, that through that pain and suffering these expressions of sympathy will penetrate and reach the families and the community, and give them some degree of succour. I agree with the Deputy Leader and thought that it was important for political symbolism to have the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Leader of the Opposition on the ground so quickly. That shows just how deeply this tragedy has impacted people right across Ireland.

I do not think that I can build on the very eloquent contribution made by Senator Boyhan other than to say that County Donegal is a beautiful place. It is beautiful because of its epic scenery and landscape. Creeslough is a part of County Donegal that, like many, I know very well. Its greatest asset, strength and beauty manifests in its people. It is manifest in the people of County Donegal. These are a people who have suffered tremendously over generations but a people who have always been resolute, united, confident, creative and talented. That was represented in the loss of the ten people who died. There was no better a representation of the best of County Donegal than those people themselves.

Again, I extend our sympathies to the people there at this devastating time. All of our thoughts and hearts are with them over these raw days and, crucially, in the time to come.