Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

All were significant. However, they will not all receive full sworn inquiries as that would be impossible. It is good that there is a historical office to examine cases because some people hold the view very strongly that many of those cases got very little investigation at the time. Whether that is understandable, it is a source of great anxiety and long-term hurt to the families. It is deeply upsetting for them and they want to state their case. Many years ago Deputy Sargent raised the prospect of a peace and reconciliation commission, which I support, because it would at least be of some help to people if they could put their case. I do not claim that it would resolve matters, but even if it achieves no more, being able to record their position and how they feel is an issue for many of the families affected.

The Deputy asked about collusion, which I have always believed took place, including in the case of Mr. Pat Finucane. I have asked many times in this House, the House of Commons and on Capitol Hill whether anyone would be surprised if, after publication of the report on Mr. Finucane's murder, headlines across the world proclaimed that evidence of collusion had been found. Quite frankly, it would be news to no one. We would be interested to find out what level of collusion obtained, how high up the chain of command it extended and how it operated. However, the headline would surprise no one. That is the truth of the system in Britain, America and elsewhere.

Deputy Sargent quoted Mr. Peter Hain. I said I have suspicions on the matter, but I have no evidence or proof. However, I believe that there is some significant reason. That is why I have said that I cannot explain this, never mind stand over it, which I am not prepared to do. If a judge is restricted from publishing something or showing information to the victim's family or their lawyers, how can one call that a full independent judicial inquiry?

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