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

Week in, week out, we get very good presentations at this committee but the testimony from our three speakers has been really powerful. As my colleague, Senator Blaney, said, we agree with every utterance Ms Teggart made in her initial contribution. She showed great clarity in outlining the issues and how important they are. Mr. Reavey and Mr. O'Hare showed great strength and character in outlining the horrific trauma their families continue to go through. One phrase that very much stuck with me is Mr. Reavey saying "They tortured our family for 40 years." It is absolutely deplorable. Then there is the idea a parliamentary democracy would bring forward legislation to empower murderers to give themselves an amnesty in respect of heinous crimes. It is utterly deplorable any such legislation would be put before any houses of parliament. I have met Mr. Reavey over many years and compliment him on the great reconciliation work he has done. I have met him at different events over the years and he always engages with such grace and dignity. Mr. O'Hare is the same. They really show great character.

Turning to Ms Teggart, I go back to Mr. Molloy and Senator Blaney's points on the House of Lords. When we met Lord Caine, a UK junior minister, we understood from him the legislation would be brought before the House of Lords in early November. All present will recall from the committee reports of the House of Lords on the Brexit negotiations legislation that there are a number of Members of that House who are very well-informed about Ireland and Northern Ireland issues. Some Members served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and some as ministers of state. Having engaged with them over the years, they are important people with whom to have constant engagement. When we all of us have had the opportunity we have put very strong messages to those individuals, and to MPs as well, that it is utterly unacceptable that any government would bring forward measures to give people the power to absolve themselves of heinous crimes, including murders. Ms Teggart might elaborate on her engagement at the House of Lords and with MPs in the House of Commons.