Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Lest there be any doubt about the willingness or otherwise of members of the committee to condemn atrocities that took place, whether 100 years ago or otherwise, I am keen to reiterate that I and, I imagine, my colleagues will not be found wanting when it comes to the condemnation of any such atrocities. I believe it is fitting, though, in the circumstances and given that the reply was not adequate and did not fully address the issues - I was in the House at the time yesterday - to request a brief from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before we decide to proceed on a particular motion of this nature, which may well be resented by some.

There is a need for recognition of what took place at that time and we need to adopt a particular position on it. We do not need to do so for political purposes or anything else. We need to have an up-to-date evaluation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on its intentions in this regard. Let us keep in mind that previous Administrations in this jurisdiction have avoided the issue. We should not avoid the issue, we should deal with it. However, we should deal with it on the basis of the most up-to-date report from the Department and the Minister.