Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I extend a very warm welcome Mr. Teggart, Ms Quinn and Mr. Ó Muirigh. I am delighted to meet them, although nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. Perhaps we will make that happen at a later stage with your assistance, Chairman.

I have to say that the campaign is one of bravery. I must agree with Mr. Maskey's comments about the dignity and respect with which the witnesses have carried out their campaign. It has been something else to watch. Considering what the witnesses have gone through as individuals and families, to still hold that dignity and respect despite what they are up against has to be highlighted and commended, so I commend them on that.

As someone who worked with Archbishop Robin Eames and Mr. Denis Bradley when they were campaigning for truth and justice, and the report they produced, I am sure the witnesses must have had some contact with them in the run up to that. If they can, perhaps they might give a little background about that and what their expectations were in that regard. Some have the view, even on this island, that achieving truth and justice is not really realistic at this stage and they question the merit of seeking inquiries. Some are putting them down to the times they occurred, the Troubles and so forth. How do those comments make the witnesses feel? What is their opinion of people putting forward those arguments? Some are also of the view that justice will probably not be recoverable, particularly under Boris Johnson's Administration. Is truth recovery enough for the witnesses? They represent an awful lot of people across the Six Counties, and some beyond, who are seeking justice and truth. Some probably would be content with even just getting the truth. I would like to hear their views on those matters. I thank them for attending and making their presentations so honestly.