Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In regard to the first matter raised by the Deputy, one must continue to be hopeful that we can overcome the difficulties that have arisen and we will continue to work to see if they can be resolved. It has been disappointing that has not been the case thus far. The deferral or postponement of Executive meetings is not a good practice in terms of developing relationships and trust. It has been disappointing that it has not been possible to overcome the problems that exist.

Looking back on the St. Andrews Agreement, it is important to point out that it was the view of the Taoiseach and Prime Minister at the time that, were we able to fulfil all the issues set out in that Agreement, it should constitute the conditions necessary to enable us to proceed to the devolution of policing in Northern Ireland. My understanding from all sides is that while everyone is committed to that, the ability to set out an indicative timeline in which that might occur has not been possible to achieve on a consensual basis within the Executive. The question of there being sufficient public support to enable that to happen is an issue that remains in the background before the decision seems to be capable of being taken. It is important that every effort be made to reinforce the point that, from opinion polls of which I am aware and from my knowledge of the situation on the ground, there is not a principled objection among any notable swathe of public opinion in Northern Ireland to this happening.

However, there is a need, at the political level, to try to find a framework in which it would be possible for everyone to proceed, with the satisfaction of all that this has full, wide and cross-community support contemporaneously with moving on the issue, so that we can get to the devolution position more quickly than would otherwise be the case. It seems that is the best means by which we could try to encourage people to move on this issue more quickly than they feel is available at the moment. It is a difficult question, one that we need to try to resolve and that we are prepared to work with the parties to try to resolve as quickly as possible. The wider impact it has on the fact that the Executive is not meeting is also exacerbating the problem and magnifying the issues under discussion.

In regard to the question of the television programme, that matter is being reviewed by the British Administration as to its veracity or whatever in terms of whether it had the impact that it was suggested it would have had in the television programme. The only point I would make is that, for the purpose of accuracy, it would be best to table a question to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform as to precisely what is the current position. I have not discussed it with him since then.

On the question of what the various Human Rights Commissions are proposing, there is the issue that some of this is still before the courts in terms of, as I understand it, the prosecution that is being taken. There is also the whole question of a civil action being taken by the parents of the victims in this appalling atrocity. Trying to uncover the truth is important for the parents, some of whom I met. However, it is also a question of trying to find the best way to do that. Encouraging more people to review and oversee various aspects of this matter has not provided a remedy or led to those involved being satisfied about getting to the nub of the issue. There are legal and other background issues which are not easy to sort out.

The ombudsman examined the matter and there has been a great deal of detailed investigation into it. A recent television programme highlighted the issue and the British Administration is examining that. We will continue to assist in whatever way we can in trying to get those responsible for this atrocity before the courts and in ensuring, if possible, that they are successfully prosecuted. As the Deputy is aware, legal moves are continuing in the background.

See this speech in context