Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Am I correct in saying the Taoiseach would be familiar with the work of Justice for the Forgotten over many difficult years, not only in regard to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings but regarding a list of atrocities that took place along the length of the Border and further down the country? Justice for the Forgotten has been a key voice on behalf of victims, survivors and the bereaved in all of those instances.

Is the Taoiseach aware that funding for Justice for the Forgotten runs out at the end of this year, and that it has no information, as we speak, from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform about how much, or any funding will be allocated to it for 2009? The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is sitting beside the Taoiseach. Has the Taoiseach discussed the matter with him and, if not, will he undertake to do so because we must recognise — as the Taoiseach has clearly done in response to Deputy Kenny — that the pursuit of truth and justice in all of these matters is essential? Does the Taoiseach agree that the work of Justice for the Forgotten in seeking truth and justice, and in assisting the survivors and the bereaved in practical ways, needs to continue?

Similarly, can the Taoiseach tell us if arrangements are in place to provide for the long-term medical needs of persons who availed of the Remembrance Commission fund, which was dissolved a little over a fortnight ago, on 31 October? Will there be a report on the work of the commission and the fund itself? How many people were assisted over the course of its terms of office, and will there be ongoing assistance for the medical needs of those who have been assisted by the fund during the period of its tenure?

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