Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I thank Mr. McCord for his moving contribution. The loss of any son or daughter at any stage is something nobody can ever forget or put out of mind. However, when that son or daughter is murdered it is such an evil act, I despair just thinking about it. We all know Mr. McCord's commitment to getting truth and justice for his son. If as a committee we can support him in any way, I would be happy to support his recommendation. It is a matter for the committee. He is entitled to due process and he has been denied it. That is the reality. That is what he needs to get. He is right in that it applies to everybody who has suffered grievously. When a mechanism is closed to you, made unavailable by this legacy Bill, it means that justice can never been achieved until we address it as best we can, and in particular, the role of the Irish Government.

We call on the individual parties, who have ten minutes to speak, ask questions and elucidate the issues. It is informal. It is Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and the Independents in that order, if that is acceptable. I call Deputy Brendan Smith.