Micheál Martin

ALT The threats made this morning against media organisations here are very serious. The Gardaí were alerted to these threats and immediately took the precautionary actions that were necessary in co-operation with those who have been targeted. It is important to emphasise that the first concern in incidents such as these must be the safety and security of the people who are affected. Hoax threats such as these cause fear, distress and disruption to people going about their daily lives and activities; they achieve no positive purpose whatsoever.

ALT It is not known yet who is responsible for these threats, whether it is individuals or a centralised or co-ordinated effort. However, these threats come on the heels of the ongoing disruption to aviation around Europe caused by similar threats, and it seems likely that this is a co-ordinated campaign of disruption. The Gardaí, working in cooperation with the Defence Forces, and our cyber and aviation authorities, are working to establish who is responsible. The Gardaí and the Defence Forces are in ongoing liaison with their European security counterparts. Every effort will be made to identify those responsible and to hold them to account. The main ⁠priority, however, is to ensure that people are kept safe, despite the unavoidable and unwelcome disruption that this may cause. The Gardaí have been alive to the risk of disruptive threats such as these in the context of planning for EU Presidency events and are exercising the relevant protocols in response.

ALT I am very sorry to learn of the death of my good friend and former colleague, Gerard Collins. Gerard was first elected to Dáil Eireann in 1967, winning a seat in the Limerick West by-election following the death of his father, James Collins. Gerard was re-elected at every subsequent general election, until his retirement from Dáil Eireann in 1997. He also served as a Member of the European Parliament for Munster between 1994 and 2004. During his 30 years in Dáil Eireann, Gerard served with great distinction and ability as Minister for Foreign Affairs (twice), Justice (twice) and Posts and Telegraphs. During his many decades of public service, Gerard Collins made an enormous contribution to Irish public life. He was a politician of great substance and ability, who was in public life for all the right reasons: to serve and improve his country. He was a highly effective minister and was one of a generation of Irish public representatives who served with great selflessness

ALT As Minister for Justice, he worked to both protect the State during a time of real threats and to introduce important reforms. During his second term as Minister for Foreign Affairs, he led the organisation of a highly successful Presidency of the European Council. This included helping to secure support for German unification amongst other EU members and progressing negotiations on what became the Maastricht treaty which created the Euro. He later served as Vice President of the European Parliament and had a significant influence on developing regional support policies critical for the development of Ireland and other member states. Gerard played a critically important role in Fianna Fáil, a contribution he continued to make after his retirement from politics. He served as the Party’s Honorary Secretary for many years and provided great leadership and service to me as Leader, and to the Party, as we implemented reforms to our organisation.

ALT Deeply saddened at the untimely passing of Ciara Mageean. As a European champion and an Olympian, she inspired so many with her outstanding performances and brought immense pride to Ireland. Ciara has left a remarkable sporting legacy. Ciara faced her recent health battles with great courage and dignity. My heartfelt sympathies go to her husband Thomas, all her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.