Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach for that reply. Following recent questions the Taoiseach admitted the release of the killers of Detective Garda McCabe would have taken place if circumstances had permitted last year. I have some questions on this issue, as the people of the country and the McCabe family deserve openness and straight answers.

Did the deal the Government attempted to make with the IRA last October involve the ending of all criminal activity as well as paramilitary activity? The Taoiseach will be only too aware that Detective Garda McCabe was killed during a bank robbery and that the report of the Independent Monitoring Commission detailed numerous criminal activities involving paramilitary groups. Is the deal done last October with the Provisional IRA irrevocable now as we move through the summer to further discussions on the peace process? If the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, David Trimble, had not backed away from the agreement at the 11th hour last October, does the Taoiseach consider the killers of Detective Garda McCabe would now be free?

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