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

I thank Mr. McCord very much. I have listened to him on previous occasions and in public forums. He is a person of great strength to be able to come and address an issue that is so personal to him and his family, the terrible loss of his son. The criminal activity that still goes on has been discussed by this committee on a number of occasions. There is a committee, the name of which escapes me at the moment, which issues a report on paramilitary activity every year. Tim O'Connor, a former Secretary General to the President, is a member. It is so disheartening to see the thuggery, violence and criminality that takes place. As Mr. McCord said, people worked very hard to achieve the Good Friday Agreement. We all want to see the era of peace, truth and justice.

Some of the members who were here earlier had to leave to go to the Dáil Chamber. There are several meetings taking place at the same time. The Seanad and Dáil are meeting, as are other committees.

I thank Mr. McCord, Mr. Farrell and Mr. O'Hare for attending. As the Chairman outlined, members are very conscious of the presentation our guests made and their very detailed responses to our questions. I thank them for their presentation.