Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy O'Connor.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute briefly to this debate. It is a significant debate at a time when the steady progress with the peace process in the North has come to a stage where we are examining historically, reflecting on and considering both the short and long-term implications of many of the incidents.

A number of speakers have raised as a starting point of this debate the 3,700 people who were killed in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. There were countless more seriously injured, with families bereaved and traumatised as a result. These statistics tell us forcefully why thousands continue to question why loved ones had to die or suffer grievous physical and emotional injury through the period of the Troubles. These sufferings must be addressed if reconciliation is to develop, grow and take hold in the Six Counties. We all accept that it will take time. I am sure both Governments appreciate that and I am sure the Ministers directly involved on both sides realise it as well.

My constituency of Louth was at the coalface of the Troubles in the North from the late 1960s until the peace process took hold in the 1990s. Too many brutal murders were committed during that time. A number of them have been the subject of inquiry, notably the Barron inquiries, and two cases in particular.

The first of these was the brutal murder of an unmarried forestry worker, Mr. Seamus Ludlow, just north of Dundalk in May 1976. To date, nobody has been prosecuted for that crime. The brutal murder of Mr. Ludlow has had a profound effect on his family. Over the years they have worked tirelessly to get to the truth of his murder and it is a great credit to them that their determination to get to the truth is as strong today as it was in May 1976. I sincerely hope that a suitable public inquiry formula can be agreed to allow the circumstances surrounding the case to be fully and satisfactorily examined and reported on.

The bombing of Kay's Tavern in Crowe Street in Dundalk in December 1975 was another incident in Louth. Two people were killed and many were injured. The Barron inquiry reported that the UVF and the British security forces colluded in the attack on Donnelly's Bar in Silverbridge the same evening. The obvious question is whether the British security forces were aware of the bombing in Dundalk on the same day. The Barron report concluded that a UVF gang from Glenanne were behind the shootings in Silverbridge. The Barron report further concluded that the British security forces should have known who were responsible for the Dundalk bombings. However, without proof of identity of those involved in the bombing, it is difficult to prove or disprove collusion in that case.

At this point in time, so many years on from the much desired and appreciated peace process, is it possible to develop a template to bring about reconciliation and forgiveness in the North? One has only to listen to the family members of those who have been bereaved to understand that the need for truth is essential for healing. The feeling that somebody knows something they are not divulging clearly prolongs the agony for families. At a minimum, it seems to me that an evaluation of the truth and reconciliation formula in South Africa is obligatory. Regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and its operation over a long period, I suppose people will argue that the circumstances in South Africa and in the North of Ireland are different in many respects. In other respects, there are many similarities between the two and, at a minimum, we in this House should keep an open mind about the possible benefits of having a truth and reconciliation commission established for people who have been bereaved and who have had unexplained brutal murders visited on their families and on their circle of friends. This offers the opportunity for them and perpetrators to come before the commission and explain the circumstances.

Recently in Monaghan, just across the Border from south Armagh, the brutal murder of Paul Quinn occurred. One need only attend some of the numerous public meetings being held and organised by members of the local community in the area where he lived, Cullyhanna, and the wider area to appreciate the significant impact his murder had on the community as a whole. One can only speculate on the divisiveness this has caused. The perpetrators live in the community and neighbours of Paul live cheek by jowl with them and must meet and pass them on the road each day. I cannot forget either the sadness visited on the Cooley Peninsula when the late Tom Oliver was brutally murdered. I know his family well and I am aware of how they have been affected by his murder.

Dealing with these issues is part of the healing process. I am concerned, however, that our approach is on a piecemeal basis, with no real comprehensive approach. The down-off-the-shelf formula to suit every circumstance may not be readily available, but we need to look further than providing an inquiry here and there. We need to consider the totality of the murders, beatings and terrorism visited on so many people over the period of the Troubles and get a structure in place that will allow bereaved people to come and get answers and find out the circumstances of the murder or bereavement they suffered.

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