Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We have represented to the British Government in meetings most of the points and concerns made clear by groups. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, has handled this issue throughout. There have been many meetings with the British Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, and between officials. It would be better to table a question to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to get a full briefing on the matter. We have put all the concerns put to us to the British Government over the past 18 months that this has been ongoing.

I said to Deputy Kenny that the Government's support, sympathies and actions have been with the Finucane family throughout. That remains the position. We have given them any assistance we can, and we will continue to do so. I have explained the reasons for this. An agreement was made in Weston Park to follow a particular strategy and we have done so. Mr. Justice Cory came down on a particular side and we supported it. It is our view, supported by the Americans and Mr. Justice Cory himself, that the British Government has not followed this. We have had many meetings on the matter and raised it at several meetings last year with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair.

I regret that the British have not shown a willingness to meet the family's needs. We are considering pursuing it, but I would be misleading the House if I stated I had any impression that the British Government was going to change its position. I have heard from the Prime Minister through his office and no indication has been given that there will be a change in the matter. We continue to support the Finucane family in its quest for the truth, and the British Government is aware of this also. The matter will not go away.

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