Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness told the Dáil that the tragedy that devastated the English family must lead to lasting change, with a determined crackdown on drug-related intimidation and organised crime. Speaking during Sinn Féin’s Private Members’ motion, which the Government said it would support, 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.

“In conversations across Waterford, one message came through loud and clear. This cannot happen another family. This must be a turning point.

“As the cameras leave Waterford and the news cycle moves on, the political focus must remain.

“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.

“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.

“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. The time for action is now.”