Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have painstakingly followed all these issues for the past number of years. We now have four comprehensive reports, including mainly new information that was not in the public domain when we started this work at the end of 1999. All those reports contain recommendations and work on them is being done, as it will continue to be. We have pressed the recommendations of Mr. Justice Cory and will continue to do so. In terms of the Finucane family's case, we have supported and called for a fully sworn inquiry under an Act that will allow full investigation. We have co-operated with all the human rights groups on these issues.

Deputy Ó Caoláin knows that it would get us nowhere quickly to set up an omnibus inquiry, involving people outside this State, without the involvement of the British Government, the NIO or British security. However, we will continue this painstaking work and the work of Mr. Patrick MacEntee SC is part of the process. We continue, internationally and with the British Government, to press for progress on the issues for the sake of families, relatives and victims. We will continue to do that to the best of our ability.

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