Taoiseach says fatal Offaly arson attack was "savage, callous and reckless"

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has vowed that Gardai will track down those responsible for what he described as the "savage, callous and reckless" arson attack which resulted in the deaths of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his 60-year-old grand-aunt Mary Holt in Edenderry.

Addressing the media at Government buildings today (Monday), Mr Martin said: "First of all my thoughts are with the family of Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt. This is a savage, callous and reckless attack on a family home that has led to their deaths, and the level of inhumanity is difficult to comprehend.

"This violence must stop in our society," the Fianna Fáil leader added. "Those responsible for this criminal attack will be brought to justice and no effort will be spared by the Gardai and by the State to ensure that happens."

The victims of Saturday night's attack were entirely innocent, but Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan told RTÉ's Morning Ireland one line of enquiry was that the attack may have been carried out by individuals involved in the drugs trade.

"I'm aware from information that one line of enquiry is that this was an attack caused by people involved in the drugs trade," said Minister O'Callaghan.

"If that is the case, it shows how dangerous that trade is, and how dangerous it is to innocent people such as the two innocent people who were killed, and the innocent woman who is seriously injured.

"It just confirms that drugs are destroying societies, and people who get involved in drugs need to know that it will wreak devastation not just on themselves but on those close to them and families in the area."

The Justice Minister said the Gardai were "following a definite line of enquiry" and that they have "a very good record in bringing dangerous and violent criminals to justice".

Minister O'Callaghan added: "Notwithstanding the horrific attack that we saw (on Saturday) night, this type of attack in Ireland is unusual, and homicide rates in Ireland are generally low when compared to other countries.

"But it is an attack that must be pursued relentlessly by the Gardai, and any individuals who have information in respect of the persons responsible for these heinous attacks need to bring that information to the attention of the Gardai."

Local Independent Ireland councillor Fergus McDonnell said the Castleview Park state where the attack occurred was built in 1969 and was a close-knit community of "ordinary working-class people".

He said the late Mary Holt was "a quiet and unassuming woman" who worked close to her home at Ofalia House, the location of Edenderry Community Nursing Unit.

"Mary was very highly thought-of and a number of staff from Ofalia House were here on Saturday night (following the incident)," said Cllr McDonnell.