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

I would like to reassure you that you have the full support of our committee. The purpose of suggesting that you make a presentation to the committee was so that we could put on the record our absolute support. We will follow up on the suggestions proposed and the actions that you would like to see us take. I am very glad that the head of consular division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Pat Bourne, is here today with colleagues from his division. We have met Mr. Bourne in the past and discussed this issue, and we know he has taken a very keen and ongoing interest in supporting you. What I suggest to our committee is that we will agree to meet with Mr. Bourne and his officials next week and follow up on the actions that you have requested. We will liaise with the Department to ensure that we are all working in parallel and working together, and will take on board the suggestions that have been made by members.

I do not know off hand which European Commissioner has responsibility for human rights but we might engage directly with that Commissioner as a committee. Can I just assure you that we will do everything we can as a committee to support you in your endeavours to get to the truth. You have made an excellent presentation to us today. It must have been an extremely difficult presentation to make, and it was done extremely well. The Department has said to us that you have been trying so hard without seeking media coverage to try to unearth the truth, and it is deplorable, as Deputy Kelly said, that in the past we have had media commentary that was beneath contempt at times. Hopefully, our work and our endorsement of your seeking the truth will redress some of that.

We will run any correspondence we send to an agency or political representative past the witnesses first to ensure good dialogue. We will also include the Department. Please be assured the witnesses have the full support of the committee in whatever way we can help. I offer them sincere thanks for the presentation. I am glad that Ms Dwyer's daughter, Aisling, could be here today as well.