Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Good morning. I wish to thank Mr. Teggart and our guests for giving of their time here this morning. I thank them for their tireless campaign over the past 20 years, and over the 50 years since they were denied truth and justice for their loved ones. I was honoured to have read the names of the victims into the Official Report on the night before the findings of the inquest. We all felt for them that night and on the day when the families finally got vindication for their campaign, and their loved ones were found entirely innocent. When someone is found entirely innocent then someone is entirely guilty as well. Everyone should have access to an effective investigation into all of the Troubles-related deaths. Every family bereaved in the Troubles should have access to effective investigation and to a process of justice, regardless of the perpetrator. I am utterly against any unilateral move that changes the Stormont House Agreement, and what was a collective and comprehensive framework to deal with legacy. I agree with Mr. Teggart that new lies are being told with regard to the rationale for seeking an amnesty. In the vacuum that existed, because we did not have a framework for legacy, what would have been different for the families if they had had access to the types of structures that are available with the Stormont House Agreement? Based on today, what do the families want this committee to do specifically?

My third question is for Mr. Ó Muirigh. If a unilateral action is taken, what does this mean for obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, which is a key element of the Good Friday Agreement? What does it mean for international human rights?

I thank the guests once more. How would they like their families to be memorialised? Is there anything they would like in that regard? It is heartfelt when I say that if there is anything I and my party can do, and I am sure this committee can do and is already doing, with the relationships and with contacts, please let us know.