Before going on to the Order of Business, I consider that it would be inappropriate if this sitting of Seanad Éireann did not avail of the opportunity to convey in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of the atrocious events in this country, North and South, and outside of it over the past week. The cowardly and contemptible act of kidnapping of innocent people from their families and homes and held to ransom by paramilitary organisations must be outlawed by all of us who value and defend the freedoms and rights of the individual.
In bringing the most recent episode of Mr. Don Tidey's release to a conclusion we lost two members of our most respected security forces in the murders of Garda trainee Sheehan and Private Patrick Kelly, both from families who have given sterling service to this nation in the Garda Síochána and the Army. To date, we have lost ten members of the Garda Síochána and for the first time since the foundation of the State we have lost a member of our Army in combat in this country in incidents involving groups who dare to use the name "Irish" or, indeed, at times "socialists" in their organisations' names.
If these events were not enough to shock and numb this nation, the week brought further death and destruction to the heart of London, where many of our relatives and friends who are Irish, and indeed many people from throughout the Commonwealth and America and other nations had gathered, and where many Irish people live and work. This outrage took place at a time when the maximum death and destruction could be inflicted on those innocent people engaged in the normal practice at this time of the year of goodwill, of Christmas shopping.
What a shame it is on all of us. What possible cause or belief or campaign could justify these acts of wanton destruction? I would call today on all paramilitary organisations, and there are some on both sides of this unfortunate fence, and on the supporters and sympathisers of these senseless killers, to stop these acts of madness. The excuse, if one could call it that, is that the recent London bombings were not authorised by the IRA, and this signifies, if we are to believe that it is an excuse, that even they have lost control of these maniacs. We must not forget that in the past responsibility was claimed — if that is the appropriate word to use — for similar murders. Could it be that, possibly, the IRA now realise that all reasonable people throughout this country, North and South, and in England, want totally to dissociate themselves from their dreadful actions?
If a truce was possible it would then rightfully place a renewed responsibility on politicians of all different beliefs in Ireland, North and South, and in England, to use all the democratic institutions that are available to us in the Houses of the Oireachtas, in the Houses of Parliament in Britain, in the Assembly and in the Forum to make rapid progress towards an acceptable lasting and peaceful solution to the underlying problem of our country. I commend you, a Chathaoirligh, on your statements and in your actions as a public representative in your own area where some of these events are taking place, for having asked for the Ministers for Justice and Defence to investigate the whole area surrounding the unfortunate accident that happened to Gerard Wrynne. This House sends him our best wishes for his recovery. You can be assured, a Chathaoirligh, that you have the support of this House for those actions which you have taken. With the permission of the Cathaoirleach, I would ask the other groups in this House to join with us in extending our sympathy to all the families who have been bereaved in these tragic events.