Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

However, there is no recommendation in respect of that issue in the Ryan report. The question of the agreement that was drawn up at the time was examined in some detail by the Committee of Public Accounts, subsequent to that issue becoming public. I also make the point that the criminal law continues to be operative in respect of any issues that arise regarding any offences committed in the past and the indemnity agreement is not involved in that. The issue also is that the indemnity agreement related to a specific timeframe and was not an open-ended indemnity saecula saeculorum. Consequently, it is important to indicate that the provision by the report of graphic detail of all that happened is a very important contribution, which has been very much welcomed by survivors in that context. The entire purpose of the redress scheme was to avoid a legal confrontational approach and to avoid people being obliged to vindicate their rights through the courts.

As for the questions before the House, which pertain to a review of the programme for Government, as I stated it will take place in a similar manner to a mid-term review that took place previously and will be between the parties to the Government and arising from that, a reviewed programme will be presented.

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