Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In the first instance, the Government has not considered the report formally. We have stated we will await the Oireachtas debate on this issue. It must be debated in both the Dáil and Seanad. In the report of the sub-committee, the work of which I commended, it is stated that once the committees of investigation legislation is passed through the Houses, the sub-committee will be in a position to consider the aspects of the matter covered within our jurisdiction. Those are the issues involving the Garda and the so-called missing files. I have no difficulty with that. Equally, the sub-committee stated that as part of the investigation process, if the House so decides, a judge could examine these aspects again. That is a matter which the Government will discuss.

It will be necessary to have further discussions about those aspects of the matter which involve Northern Ireland and an inquiry and investigation there. The merits of that will be considered. While the idea is that an examination like that carried out by Mr. Justice Cory should take place, its feasibility will have to be considered. I raised the matter initially with the Northern Ireland authorities through Secretary of State, Paul Murphy. He has already written to say the authorities have no further files, reports or data and cannot bring anything more to the table on this issue. We have a formal letter stating that is the position.

I raised this with Prime Minister Blair on Sunday in the context that after the debate in the House and the Government's consideration, we will return to the matter. I informed the Prime Minister of the recommendation of the committee that these matters should be investigated in the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland or, presumably, both. I have not been informed of an official British Government position, but I have made it clear to the Prime Minister that we will come back to the matter.

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