Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have recently answered questions on the Finucane case, but I would like to say a few words on it. The family has met Mr. Hain in Belfast and they are not at all happy with the latest meeting. I understand it was a difficult meeting and the family is not satisfied with the British proposals for the inquiry into Pat Finucane's murder. Our sympathies have always been with Geraldine Finucane and her family in all of this. I have had many meetings with the family and with the various groups that have campaigned for the family. We have consistently said we wish to see a full public inquiry held as was envisaged at Weston Park and recommended by Judge Cory. The circumstances of the case demand the maximum openness. That has been the Irish Government's position for years. We share the view of the family, many others and most importantly, the view of Judge Cory, that the inquiry which the British want to hold under the new legislation does not meet the needs of this case.

This is an open and shut case for us. We raised this with President Bush last year and we got him to speak at the time. I have raised this with the British Government many times and to be frank, I do not see any willingness to change its position. I will certainly look at the procedure of the motion, but in principle I have no problem with it. We can work out something on which we can all agree.

I have had many discussions on the issue of restorative justice, which was raised previously in the House. I understand the rationale and the schemes, and I have read the submissions about the schemes. I have talked at length to the political parties, including the SDLP, and to the British Government with regard to the schemes while the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has talked to his counterpart, Mr. Peter Hain, MP, and others.

I can understand all the models and arguments of how one would try to move from the current situation — many parts of Northern Ireland have moved to another situation. However, we will have difficulties if we do not deal through the police, which is the relevant point. We all know how community policing and neighbourhood watch schemes operate throughout the country — many of them operate well — but, at the end of the day, those who must make the decisions on how they operate and on the gathering, collection and two-way flow of information, are the community groups and the police. Otherwise, who will make these decisions? That is the difficulty.

That point has been made to me by religious and community leaders and others. While some of them make the point that there are some benefits to bringing people in, ultimately, the police must be involved, which is what is happening in the loyalist pilot schemes in operation at present. Until that is the case, this will always be an area involving suspicion, friction and concern, if not far worse.

That brings me back to the point I have made many times, namely, we must achieve the resolution of the policing issue. Within days, the British Government will publish the draft of its legislation and its position paper. That is where I would like to see the debate in the months ahead. It is the only way we will resolve the issue.

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