Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I said when I answered questions on this matter during a previous Question Time, the problem that has arisen relates to the conduct of their work by the commissions of inquiry. Mr. Justice Barron has conducted his work. Mr. MacEntee, who was the sole member of the commission of investigation, handed over his final report in March 2007. It was published in April of that year. Some relevant confidential information remains subject to legal privilege. In line with the sub-committee's recommendations, a debate on collusion was held in the Dáil last year. A motion was passed by the Dáil on 10 July 2008. The Clerk of the Dáil communicated the text of the resolution to the House of Commons. A reply was received from the Westminster authorities.

I am sure this issue will continue to be addressed at official level. I have not raised it specifically with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Brown, at any of the meetings I have had with him on specific issues. We all recognise that this is one of the problems that has arisen from the Troubles of the past. Despite the best efforts of everyone, including most eminent legal counsel and judges, there has been a failure to get to the full truth of everything. They have brought it as far as they can bring it, unfortunately. We will continue to see what can be done in addition to what has already been achieved.

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