Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis na finnéithe as an gcur i láthair a thabhairt dúinn inniu. I thank the witnesses for the opportunity to discuss these issues with them. I thank them as well for the hard work they have been doing in their campaigns over the past number of years in seeking justice. Obviously, the legacy Bill is a devastating blow to people right across Ireland in terms of truth recovery and also seeking justice for loved ones. It is nearly impossible to overstate the heartbreak and damage the Bill is currently causing. It is a deep frustration to see the British Government operate unilaterally against the wishes of every single political party and community organisation across Ireland.

Aontú has a Bill that we hope will get to Second Stage soon. It would mandate the Irish Government to proceed with a court case in the European Court of Human Rights. It would take the decision out of the Government’s hands, so to speak, and put it into the Chamber as well. We are hopeful that might make progress over the next while.

It would be good if this committee passes a proposal or motion today that a letter is sent to the Tánaiste and Taoiseach recommending and asking the Government to proceed with that court case.