I wish to thank you for allowing me to raise this serious matter on the Adjournment, which has caused so much anxiety, apprehension and concern not alone in the Ballintra area, where the incident occurred, but throughout south Donegal.
The series of events commenced last Saturday night at about 11 p.m. when a gang of armed men took over the home of the family involved and held the five occupants of the house, including a seven months old baby, hostage until about 10 a.m. on Monday morning, a period of almost 36 hours. During that time a truck belonging to the family was commandeered and subsequently driven across the Border, ten or 15 miles away. Ballintra is ten or 15 miles from the Border, depending on which route you take. The truck was loaded with explosives and mortars and was parked outside a security installation near St. Angelos's Airport, Enniskillen. Fortunately, most of the explosives failed to detonate and, miraculously there were no injuries or loss of life.
There are a number of most serious and, indeed, critical dimensions to this incident. First, it indicates a sinister and disturbing development in the campaign of violence being waged in Northern Ireland and shows that there is no hesitation in using our territory to plan, initiate and launch a murderous raid on our neighbours just across the Border. Second, it is absolutely reprehensible that an innocent family could be subjected to the distressing and terrifying ordeal of being held hostage in their own house for almost two days not knowing what was to be the final outcome of their captivity. Third, such an incident heightens tension in an area where there has been perfect co-operation and harmony in the community. There is a mixed religious community in Ballintra and its surrounding area and there is an excellent relationship between both communities going back generations. It is a pity that this incident has been inflicted on this area.
This incident cannot be taken in isolation. Just over two years ago about 200 to 300 yards down the road, almost in the same townland, another event took place that ended in tragedy. On a Sunday evening a young man from Northern Ireland while visiting his girl friend was short dead in his car outside her house. The entire area was shocked and dismayed at this brutal cold blooded murder but in spite of the best efforts of the Garda Síochána I do not recall anyone ever being charged with this gruesome deed. It is only a fortnight since I had the sad duty to attend the removal of the remains of another victim of this violence, that of a Donegal county councillor. These events show that violence does not recognise any border. We all fervently hope and pray that peace and harmony will be achieved in Northern Ireland. In the meantime, we do not want County Donegal to become a tit for tat territory or a battleground to settle scores.
Since this incident in Ballintra came to light on Monday morning intensive Garda inquiries are under way. I request the Minister of State to ensure that every support is available to the Garda and any extra resources requested or needed should be granted immediately. Every effort must be made to ease the anxiety and tension caused by these incidents and the Minister of State should give a public assurance that the entire authority of his Department and the Government will be used to prevent a recurrence of these deeds. Perhaps the Minister of State could also let the House know what progress, if any, has been achieved since Monday in apprehending those responsible for holding this family hostage for almost two days.
On a somewhat more humane note, the hostage family in Ballintra are now without the means to earn their livelihood. Their lorry on which they depended was blown up. Perhaps the Minister would give the matter of adequate compensation his immediate attention. Their ordeal was terrifying enough without the extra worry and concern of a significant financial loss.
In conclusion, these events are the source of widespread concern throughout County Donegal and the people want an assurance that the Garda will be offered every assistance, and that everything possible will be done to ensure that there is co-operation on both sides of the Border to prevent a recurrence.