Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I will do that and I thank the committee for the serious points made. I just want to respond to the point made on migration, the rule of law, gardaí and the likes. It is a serious point and all political parties in this House have been standing by the law and the gardaí in relation to their job. I accept that gardaí have a very difficult job to do and I accept that they can come across very fraught situations but there should never be a situation in this country where anybody is allowed, on a sustained basis, to carry out a breach of the law or to impede people accessing a facility or building. There needs to be real clarity in relation to that.

On the migration pact, I certainly do not think it should be rushed. It is really important. My understanding is that it is scheduled for around seven hours of debate in the Dáil next week. It is a substantial issue and it should get lots of time. The Government and Opposition should work together to ensure there is lots of time given to it. I should also make the point that this will need primary legislation. If the Government wishes to opt in to the migration pact, that will require an overhaul of primary legislation so there will be many a vote and many an opportunity for debate. I say that by way of acknowledging the Chairman's interest and many other people's interest in it.

On thalidomide, I have a fairly big file sitting on my desk that I want to work through. I have been in touch with Ms Finola Cassidy and others in relation to thalidomide, as have most people in the House. I will continue to keep in touch with her on it.

I do not know the answer to the question about papers from tribunals but I will find out and revert to the Chairman. I will come back on any other outstanding issues in writing. I will also seek an update on the weather history of the 1950s. No one on my team can provide me with any corporate memory of that.