The House united to condemn the abduction in Baghdad of journalist Rory Carroll and express solidarity with his family.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said he was sure deputies would share his expression of abhorrence, on behalf of the Irish people, at Mr Carroll's kidnapping.
"I commend the swift action of the Government, on a political and diplomatic level, to ensure Mr Carroll's early and safe release," he added.
"As deputies will be aware, his father, Joe Carroll, was a respected figure around the House for many years and those of us who have been in the House for some time will know him well. In that sense, this is a matter of grave concern to us."
Mr Kenny assured Minister for Finance Brian Cowen, who was taking the order of business, that Fine Gael would assist the Government on the matter in any way possible and would be happy to accommodate its activities to ensure Mr Carroll's early and safe release.
Thanking Mr Kenny for his comments, Mr Cowen joined him in expressing "the common sentiment" of the House that deputies hoped Mr Carroll's abduction would be ended immediately.
"The House calls on anyone who has influence with the group in question to use it," Mr Cowen said. "Obviously, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and our diplomatic staff in the general area are doing all they can through their contacts to facilitate Mr Carroll's early release.
"The House sympathises with Mr Carroll's family in this difficult time and hope he will be returned to them safely."
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said the House was united in concurring with the sentiments expressed by Mr Kenny and the Minister for the early and safe release of Mr Carroll and in expressing solidarity with his family.
Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said he wished to express solidarity with Mr Carroll's family "and take seriously the advice of the Minister for Foreign Affairs that the matter be dealt with in a way that the Department of Foreign Affairs can best determine for the security of Mr Carroll". He hoped his release would be swift.
