Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Chairman for his apology, which I accept. Like Deputy Verona Murphy, I do not condone the content of the tweet, which was insensitive and inappropriate. It caused hurt to victims and descendants of victims and people who have a particular perspective. I respect and fully understand that. The Committee of Public Accounts is not the place for what some people are seeking, however. The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement should by all means invite the Chairman before it to explore this matter. If the Ceann Comhairle wants to pursue this issue, that is what the Committee on Procedure is for; it is not our role.

Like Deputy Verona Murphy, I believe that, as a nation, we have become a colosseum where we are far too anxious to set up a guillotine every time there is a misdemeanour. I have previously stated outside this room that an appropriate body, such as the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, should develop a book of quantum of sorts, with a list of appropriate sanctions for appropriate levels of misdemeanour, from lesser offences right up to more serious ones. The outcome of the approach we are taking now is the same every time there is an indiscretion or a misdemeanour, however serious or minor. It is to seek someone's head. We saw that recently with the Tánaiste's leak. Some approached that issue in an appropriate way, but others in a different way.

I am not for one second condoning the content of the tweet. It was insensitive. It is a matter, however, for the committee on the Good Friday Agreement, and certainly not for us. A great deal of dirty laundry will need to be washed out publicly in the years ahead, as the healing and reconciliation process continues. That of course includes the Finucane family and a public inquiry in that regard, where we have done our end of the bargain with the Smithwick tribunal, as agreed at Weston Park. That has not been matched by the British, who have, unfortunately, brought their judicial system into disrepute by their actions.

I am old enough to remember the Troubles being a nightly blight on the news, in respect of the loss of life on both sides. We all regret that. Given the years we are in, I wonder, when we look back, why we manage to romanticise and glorify atrocities of 100 years ago and then look at others in a different light. I abhor all violence. I mourn the victims of all violence, no matter on what side or in what era.

I would prefer if this committee stuck to its business. We have a huge body of work to get through. I accept the Chairman's apology. If the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement wishes to pursue a particular line, it can do that. If the Dáil wants to pursue a particular line, the Business Committee and the Committee on Procedure are there for that purpose. We do not have the competence, and I certainly do not have the will, to pursue this matter any further here.