Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious of a number of different proposals and of allowing the family members time to make closing remarks. Regarding Deputy Tóibín's proposal on legal advice, I suggest that we ask the clerk to the committee to bring that to the attention of the legal advisers in the Houses and get an opinion on what steps the committee can take to ensure compliance by the British Government, and all the issues that might arise as a result. Do I understand the Deputy correctly as regards that proposal? I am referring to advice to the committee, which is different from advice to the Government. I ask the Deputy to think about that for a moment. If it is acceptable, I propose that we invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come before the committee and ask the Department to read the transcripts of today's meetings and answer the questions that apply to Government actions and processes. Is that acceptable?