Deputy David Cullinane: Philip and Kim, and their children Callum and Jayden, should be alive today. They were murdered in a deliberate attack on their home. Nadia and Elliott, two children, are fighting for their lives in hospital as we speak. I knew this family and I am devastated for them, as are people from Waterford and across the island. We all know the suffering of this family and the grief is unimaginable. I commend all of the first responders, and I acknowledge the neighbours, emergency services and medical teams who came to their aid, and the teams in Crumlin who are working hard to save the lives of the two children there. All of these first responders and medics are heroes.

This murderous attack showed utter contempt for human life. Anyone who planned, ordered or carried out this attack must face the full force of the law. The Garda must establish the facts but we know, as I am sure the Minister does, that drug-related intimidation must also be confronted head-on. Other families are looking out their front doors and wondering could their children be next. No family should have to put their children to bed wondering whether someone will set fire to their home before morning yet drug gangs and organised criminals are inflicting precisely this terror on families. They threaten children, they assault people, they burn homes, they murder people and they pursue parents, friends and even neighbours for money.

I want to be very clear about this point because there has been a lot of media coverage over the past 48 hours. This is not debt collection; it is violent criminality and we need to call it what it is. Vulnerable families and innocent people need to be protected and kept safe. Every community has the right to live free from the violence and harassment of organised crime; to let children play outside as we all do, and I have two children; to report crime without fear of retaliation; for children to sleep safely in their beds and for parents not having to worry about attacks on their home. The State has a responsibility to uphold these rights in every community.

Yesterday The Irish Times reported 113 arson attacks on council properties were recorded by just 14 local authorities over five years, with 50 last year alone. These figures exclude privately rented and owner occupied homes. Last week gardaí were investigating another petrol bomb attack at a home in Drimnagh. The danger is clear and evident, and it has been widespread and known for years. There are also reports that the English family endured earlier threats and attacks and sought help because they feared for their safety. This also demands answers.

Today I am asking for four commitments. Will the Government ensure that Waterford has the Garda resources needed for this investigation, including the support of the organised crime unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau? Will the Government ensure that families reporting threats have all the supports they need, including an urgent risk assessment, a named contact and a co-ordinated protection plan with access to safe emergency accommodation when needed? Will the Government commit to a review of how threats and requests for help are managed and how families are supported? Will the Minister for justice report to this House next week on the wider response to drug-related intimidation?

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