Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Margaret Urwin and Ms Anne Cadwallader and compliment them on their presentations. Ms Cadwallader has done the public a service in the publication of the book Lethal Allies. As the Chairman said it is chilling to read the stories. Some months ago, I heard the former Deputy First Minister, Mr. Seamus Mallon, recall in graphic detail some of the atrocities that were carried out in parts of Armagh. Some months ago, we had the opportunity to listen to Ms Denise Mullen and Mr. Eugene Reavey giving their account of the atrocities that were committed against their families. I have been familiar with the work of the group Justice for the Forgotten for some years through Ms Urwin, with particular reference to the atrocities and murders that were carried out in my constituency in Belturbet, Monaghan and Castleblayney. It is most disappointing that the British Government has so far failed to comply with two Dáil motions that were passed unanimously in 2008 and 2011. This committee should send a unanimous recommendation to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and directly to the British ambassador reiterating our concern that the British Government has failed abysmally to take into account the concerns expressed unanimously by a sovereign parliament.
Ms Urwin mentioned the celebratory occasions, which is probably not the right word, when monuments were unveiled. I was very glad to be able to participate in the unveiling of the memorial in Belturbet. It gives official recognition to the desperate murder of young people on that night in December 1972 in Belturbet.

In my dealings with the families, the only message I got from them was that they wanted the truth. None of them ever wanted revenge. I compliment the families, Justice for the Forgotten and the Pat Finucane Centre on the dignified manner in which they have worked and on their commitment to advocating on behalf of the bereaved. I am glad that some of them were able to be present today. I know some of the names that were read out, having attended the commemoration of the Dublin bombing on Talbot Street each year. We should send a firm request to the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste asking him to seek British Government co-operation again. We should also send that request to the British ambassador, given how our guests have been in discussion with him for a considerable period.
When Lethal Allies: British Collusion in Irelandwas published, I read it immediately. It does a public service in outlining the campaign of murdering innocent people that was assisted by so-called state forces.