Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

——to properly flex its position as the voice representing the Irish people, not only in this State but recognised and acknowledged by nationalist opinion throughout the island of Ireland. The situation is serious. As regards the Taoiseach's meeting of 2 May with the British Prime Minister here in Dublin, how exactly did he press the issue of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and the Oireachtas committee's report based on Mr. Justice Barron's findings? This is the month that records the 30th anniversary of the tragedies visited on this city and on my home town. Did the Taoiseach demand in clear unequivocal terms that the British Government fully co-operate in the release of all the information it has? Did he indicate that one of the recommendations and the clear demand of the families is for a full cross-jurisdictional public inquiry? Did he press that and if he did what was Mr. Blair's response, aside from the Taoiseach's statement after the meeting, which gives no solace to those who want to see the establishment of truth and justice as regards that case? The Taoiseach has acknowledged and I would like to ask him about the events of the recent past: for months we have seen the continual efforts of some — including the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, and his friends in the Independent Newspapers network — to lay the blame for obstacles to progress at the door of Sinn Féin. Is it not the case that there is a collective responsibility on all parties including the Taoiseach's and this Government, to ensure that the current difficulties are overcome?

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