Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I asked the Taoiseach a number of questions about Justice for the Forgotten and the ongoing commitment of Government to the funding of its critical work. I urge the Taoiseach to address that question please. Does he not accept that the absence of any clarity as to the Government's commitment for funding in 2009 is leading to quite serious concern among the members of Justice for the Forgotten and those whom they serve so well? Will the Taoiseach please offer the clarity and assurance that is necessary?

Regarding the work of the Remembrance Commission fund, can the Taoiseach clarify again whether a report will be published on its work? I know the Taoiseach cannot give me all of the detail as to the numbers who have been assisted and about specific ongoing supports in terms of medical needs, but can he undertake to the House to have that information at least provided to the three party leaders in the Opposition who have sponsored these questions today?

Noting the Taoiseach's response to Deputy Kenny on his efforts to build on the work of his predecessor in terms of having the British Government co-operate with the pursuit of truth and justice regarding the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974, will he seek to impress on Prime Minister Gordon Brown what I can only describe as the weight of the resolution we passed unanimously on 10 July 2008? Does the Taoiseach not share my concern that the failure to respond on the part of the British Prime Minister and the Parliament at Westminster to the united appeal of all the elected voices of this House is a cause of major concern to each of us, without exception? Will the Taoiseach press for the appointment of an independent, international judicial figure who will have access to all the relevant documentation and material under the control of the British Government and all its agencies in order to further the intent of securing the full truth about the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and those other matters reported on by a series of eminent appointees, including Messrs. Justices Hamilton and Barron and Mr. Paddy MacEntee?

See this speech in context