Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

It is the people's movement and we have to stick with the people through these difficult times. All sides in the conflict perpetrated terrible deeds and we have to face up to this harsh reality. We must listen to and support people like the McCartney and Finucane families and the victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1972 and 1974. This must be done in a non-political way.

I challenge those who use victims to score political points. There is no room for such behaviour in any peace process. I urge all Deputies to be measured, calm and caring in their comments. We owe it to the people of Ireland, North and South. Regarding the broader issue of collusion, I hope we can open this can of worms. That is why I welcome and support this debate and this inquiry.

I have a concern regarding public inquiries into Northern-related issues. Many victims, especially the victims of the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, find it galling that the Government would set up a public inquiry into this incident while turning its back on a similar inquiry into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings. Many of them are convinced that the political establishment in this State and in the North are not paying attention to their genuine concerns on the issue of collusion. Many of them have questions about the role of the RUC and the running of Unionist paramilitaries and their activities in regard to bombings and killings. We have to face up to that reality.

Is the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform aware of these serious issues relating to collusion by the RUC and one individual in the context of this inquiry? Is he aware of statements made by John Weir in regard to the same individual referred to in the context of this inquiry? When policemen and members of the security forces become directly involved in acts of violence which includes kidnap, murder and bombing, the same police force does not deserve the trust and respect of the community. It is not a question of a few bad apples, it is a question of collusion in the North going right to the top. It was a stated policy all through the Troubles. We all know what was going on and I would like it to come out in this tribunal of inquiry.

Last night I received a call from a victim of the 1974 Dublin bombing whose father was killed in Parnell Street and he, the caller, is full of shrapnel. This victim is convinced that one of the men named in this inquiry had strong links with Unionist paramilitaries. There is evidence of the Down Orange Welfare, a group of RUC officers who supplied guns to the UVF. There is also strong and credible evidence about senior RUC officers attending meetings with loyalist paramilitaries and that they were up to the their necks in collusion and illegal activities. The person who supplied the explosives in the 1974 bombings was best man at the wedding of one of these individuals. I raise these issues to ensure we get a balanced debate and I will not accept lectures from any Minister or Government, either here or in Britain, on these important matters.

On page 51, chapter 12, section 141 of the final report on the Report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Dublin Bombings of 1972 and 1973, it is stated:

The Sub-Committee deplores the fact that it has received no co-operation from the Northern Irish or British authorities. This report has previously pointed out that under the heading Reconciliation and Victims of Violence, the Good Friday Agreement states "The participants believe that it is essential to acknowledge and address the suffering of the victims of violence as a necessary element of reconciliation." It seems impossible to reconcile the stance of the Northern Irish or British Authorities with this element of the Agreement.

I welcome the debate and I will support it. I hope we have broader debates about inquiries that will help us deal with the dark and sinister secrets of the past 30 years. We owe it to all the victims and I stress the last three words.

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