Dáil calls for action on organised crime after ‘heartbreaking’ Waterford arson attack
Waterford TD Conor McGuinness told the Dáil that the tragedy that devastated the English family must lead to change
The Dáil has called for action on organised crime after the “heartbreaking” arson attack in Waterford city last week.
Sinn Féin brought forward a motion last night which called for a crackdown on drug intimidation and organised crime. The Government said it would support it.
Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness told the Dáil that the tragedy that devastated the English family must lead to lasting change.
Deputy McGuinness said: “Yesterday, we said goodbye to Jayden and Callum, their mam Kim and their dad Philip.
“The sadness of their funerals will stay with me. It was, and is, utterly heartbreaking.
“As we stand here two children are still fighting for their lives in hospital. They and their family remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
He argued that such a tragedy cannot be allowed to happen again, in Waterford or elsewhere.
“In conversations across Waterford, one message came through loud and clear. This cannot happen to another family. This must be a turning point.
“As the cameras leave Waterford and the news cycle moves on, the political focus must remain.”
Deputy McGuinness highlighted the impact of drug-related violence on local communities.
“Drug-related violence and intimidation affects families in every city, town, village and townland in this country.
“I know young men who have taken their own lives under the weight of intimidation and threats against them and their families.
“That devastating consequence often goes unseen and unspoken. This must become a moment of change.”
“The first national report on drug-related intimidation recorded more than 1,000 cases across every county. So many more go unreported.”
He called for an immediate crackdown on drug-related intimidation and organised crime.
“We need a determined Garda crackdown. Not just on those carrying out these crimes, but on those directing them, orchestrating them and profiting from them.
“The people at the top must be faced down and they must be brought to justice.
“Government has to ensure Gardaí have the resources to dismantle these gangs. To confiscate proceeds of crime.
“Government must protect threatened families, invest in community supports, actually resource drug and alcohol strategies, prevent young people being exploited, and ensure social inclusion, youth and mental health services have the money to do their essential work.”
Deputy McGuinness called on the Government to do more to crackdown on drug intimidation locally and nationally.
“Sinn Féin’s motion sets out practical measures. The Government must give this issue the priority it demands.
“If we are honest, that has not happened to date. Today has to be a turning point, a watershed moment.
“Those impacted deserve more than words of sympathy. We have to turn despair into lasting action.”
“Waterford must not be forgotten when the headlines fade. Our communities deserve safety. Families deserve peace.”
He concluded by reiterating that action must be taken immediately to address the problems that exist in Waterford and elsewhere.
Philip and Kim English, along with their children Callum and Jayden, died in the house fire in Birchwood on Tuesday, October 13.
They were laid to rest in Kilbarry Cemetery following their funeral Mass on Monday.