'Utter contempt' for human life shown in deadly arson attack in Waterford

An arson attack in Waterford which resulted in the death of four family members, including two children, showed "utter contempt" for human life, the Dáil (Irish parliament) has heard.

Kim English, Philip English and their children, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden, died in the house fire on Birch Avenue, on the outskirts of Waterford in the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.

Sinn Féin TD (member of Irish parliament) David Cullinane told the Dáil drug related intimidation should be "confronted head on".

He said other families are now looking out of their front doors and wondering if their children will be next.

"No family should have to put their children to bed wondering whether someone will set fire to their home. And yet drug gangs and murderous criminals are inflicting precisely that terror on families," Cullinane said.

He asked for the Irish government to ensure Waterford has the policing resources necessary and that families who report threats have the supports they need.

He also called for a review of how threats and requests for help are managed and for the Irish justice minister to report to the Dáil next week to discuss drug related intimidation.

"They threaten children, they assault people, they burn homes, they murdered people and they pursue parents, friends and even neighbours for money.

"This is not debt collection, it is violent criminality and we need to call it for what it is. Vulnerable families and innocent people need to be protected and live safe."

Kim, Phillip, Callum and Jayden will be buried in Kilbarry Cemetery in Waterford on Monday 19 October.

The funeral mass will take place beforehand at the Sacred Heart Church Parish Centre at 13:00 local time.

Irish foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee, who was answering questions on behalf of the Irish government, extended her condolences to the bereaved family.

She told the Dáil it was an "appalling and vicious attack on a family who should still be with us today".

"This is not debt collection, this is violence, criminality. Debt collection is an absolute scourge on our society and I think we all need to commit to work collectively together to try and stamp it out."

She said "any other resource" which is needed to ensure "those who are responsible" are held accountable will be made available.

"This is not an isolated incident, this is not something that has happened to just one family.

"We do need to encourage people to go directly to the gardai (Irish police) because we do have a unit within An Garda Siochana a dedicated unit, a dedicated anti-drug strategy."

First responders and hospital medics were also commended by the two politicians.