Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

At the outset, let me say there is no need for the relatives to go out and protest at this stage. As the Deputy is aware, considerable progress has been made on the matter. Both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste are most anxious that the process be concluded as quickly as possible. Following the meetings held with representatives of the victims with the director of the forensic science laboratory, the committee indicated that it would follow up with some final observations, which could be added to the material already under examination.

The extent of the detail and the complexity of the issues, however, were such that the examination of the technical and legal questions arising required more time than was originally anticipated. This examination concluded in December and a considered written response to the memorandum issued to the committee's solicitor on 15 December. I do not need to go into the exact detail as the Deputy is aware of it. The committee's solicitor was also informed that the Taoiseach, having consulted with the Tánaiste, would be willing to arrange for an external and independent examination of the committee's submission by an eminent legal person. Such an examination would include a full opportunity for the victim's committee to present and explain the points raised in its submission. The findings of this consideration would then further inform the deliberations on this issue. The precise arrangements and mechanisms of this examination are the subject of discussions with the committee's solicitor and the Tánaiste expects that it should be possible to finalise these shortly. The committee will have a meaningful opportunity to present its case to the independent examiner and the details of this arrangement can of course be worked out in consultation with the committee.

The Deputy will also be aware that, at the same time, arrangements have been made to put in place a process intended to lead to the identification of the five unidentified victims. This process is well advanced and the families in question are being kept fully informed and provided with access to counselling services, according to their wishes. Preparatory works at St. Fintan's Cemetery are in hand and it is expected that the exhumations will take place next week. This exercise will be followed by DNA analysis which should produce results in approximately two months. There are no guarantees that a successful identification will be possible but I am sure everyone in this House will join with the Tánaiste and me in wishing the families well during this difficult time.

I am aware of the Deputy's keen interest in the matter and I appeal to him that it is not necessary for any further protest. The Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are particularly committed to seeing this process through and everything is being done to ensure it happens as quickly as possible.

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