Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in welcoming our three guests. It is instructive to have pointed out to us the limitations of the work of the historical investigations team and particularly the failure to get a handle on collusion on state involvement, as well as the institutional culture of the armed groups. There is also the failure to establish complete trust across the community and among victims. The witnesses have also pointed out the difficulty arising from the Haass recommendations not being implemented.

I am interested in the take on the Downey case and its implications. Until it is resolved by the judge's report, the matter is effectively on hold and nothing can happen. Deputy Crowe's variation is that if there were investigations of victims' requests, new prosecutions could ensue on new evidence. It is a grey area between old and new evidence. It is an interesting conundrum that may bring about an operational cul-de-sac. I presume that and the non-implementation of the Haass process create the biggest difficulties. My constituency colleague, Deputy Smith, asked if a revised HET could do the business. I am fascinated by the gap between the witnesses' interpretation of the Downey issue and Deputy Crowe's interpretation, as they seem different.