Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 1 July 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Ballymurphy Families: Discussion

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I am happy to get everyone in. That is the first thing. I am also happy to make sure that I am fair to everyone and, in that context, I want to make sure that Chris, who made two efforts, has a third opportunity.

I thank the Minister for comprehensive briefing he has given us, particularly on the issues relating to Ballymurphy, the negotiations and the progress he believes, and I believe, both Governments will hopefully make to resolve this and ensure that the families get the justice they are entitled to and deserve. If it is a new process and a different way of looking at a solution to the same problem, then the core point must be clarity for the families and the justice they are entitled to get. That is a good agenda, and the only one worth pursuing.

I respect and acknowledge the fact that the victims on all sides and their families and the people who survived are entitled to the same truth and justice. In the context of others and the counties in which they live, I live in county Louth where there are still families waiting for the truth and for justice regarding Jean McConville. Jean was abducted in the most cruel and barbaric way and lay buried in an unmarked grave for decades. There is also the murder of Tom Oliver. These are matters that to deep to the heart of things, just like the murders in Ballymurphy. They relate to people who lost their lives. It should never have happened. We are entitled to ensure that the families get justice and they get at the truth. Whatever process by which we can make that happen, we should continue to pursue.

We have done the rounds of all the parties so I am happy to start again. There are 25 minutes remaining. We can split the time five minutes for Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil, Alliance and so on.