Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

The Taoiseach mentioned that a full independent public inquiry was needed into the murder of Pat Finucane and in other cases, and that this was a sample of six cases. Having listened to Michael Finucane speaking to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, it seemed that the six cases were considered to be of such significance that they required an examination by an independent judge. They were not just a sample, but were of particular significance because of the circumstances surrounding them and the evidence to date. Will the Taoiseach clarify that? Did he say that he is not sure if there is collusion, or does he believe that there is a certain amount of collusion and does not know the full extent of it? Is the Taoiseach aware that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Hain, when he met the Finucane family on 7 February 2006, conceded that it was not a question of whether there was collusion, but how much collusion went on? It is important to clarify that point.

Is the Taoiseach aware that the Finucane family believes he is essential to their efforts to bring about the justice they have been denied for so long? It is no wonder it is difficult to find a judge to do the job. Has the Taoiseach taken on board the statement by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Hain, that the amended Inquiries Act was necessary to secure the co-operation of the security services? Does that not indicate that we are effectively dealing with a Government that can no longer claim to be governing, that it is being told what to do by the security services?

Has the Taoiseach put it to the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, that we run the risk of the United Kingdom no longer being able to account for itself as a democracy if the security services dictate the legislation that is required and the level of inquiry permissible? Does the Taoiseach not see reason to put it to the Prime Minister very seriously that it is not acceptable in any civilised, democratic society for the security services to dictate the extent of an inquiry? Has he put that position to the Prime Minister?

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