Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the debate in the House, it is a matter on which we must agree. There needs to be a debate which presumably will be based on the committee's report either to support or amend its recommendations. There was an agreement that the matter would be debated prior to bringing it to Government for final consideration and action on it. This should take place as early as possible. We will try to finalise in the House the committees of investigation legislation. It is recommended that the report should be put before that committee.

On Deputy Sargent's question, the sub-committee drew the distinction in this regard. I am not drawing a distinction. The sub-committee's view is that because the likely witnesses who might be able to assist in respect of any evidence that might or might not exist are based in Northern Ireland and the UK, the inquiry will not get anywhere if it is held in this jurisdiction. It has no problem dealing with Garda matters and so on in this jurisdiction. Based on legal advice, the committee believes that if the inquiry is held down here, co-operation will not be forthcoming in so far as these people are still alive and known. The committee spelt this out clearly. This is the point we must pursue with the British Government.

The other reports must be dealt with in the same way, particularly in regard to 17 May. On reading Mr. Justice Barron's report, it is obvious that all the involvement and activities relate to Northern Ireland.

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