: I have already strongly condemned on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government the cowardly and brutal murder of Garda Quaid. The Members of the House will, I know, wish to join with me in condemning this foul deed and also in extending deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Garda Quaid's widow and family in their tragic loss.
As the Dáil has not met since the appalling killings of Gardaí Morley and Byrne of Ballaghadereen in July last, it is fitting that on this sad occasion we should also extend our most sincere sympathy to the widows and young families of both gardaí who have been so tragically bereaved.
In the highest traditions of the Garda Síochána Gardaí Quaid, Morley and Byrne have sacrificed their lives to uphold the law. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamnacha inte. I would ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to the widows and families of the late gardaí our sincere condolences. We must never forget that in carrying out their duty the Garda are working for every individual in the community and for our democratic institutions. The dangers they run in serving the people in this way and the measure of the debt we owe them are exemplified by the circumstances in which Gardaí Morley, Byrne and Quaid so tragically lost their lives.
I wish to announce, for the information of the Dáil, that the House will not meet tomorrow until 4 p.m. to enable Members of the Government and other Deputies to attend the funeral of Garda Séamus Quaid.