Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I do not have an exact timeframe for the conclusion of the investigation. It will be complete in a reasonably short time from now but that is a matter for the investigating authority.

With regard to the line of investigation, the question posed by the Deputy is obvious and work has been done in endeavouring to establish whether there was a link between the six citizens involved. There does not appear to be but that was based on a preliminary assessment. One presumes the investigation has gone a little deeper.

SOCA is a credible agency and it has produced an interim report but, nonetheless, it states that there is compelling circumstantial evidence. The reason we called in the Israeli ambassador and the reason I met the Israeli Foreign Minister is that there was circumstantial evidence even then and there was clear commentary in the media. I will not pre-empt what action we might take until the investigation is concluded. One must always bear in mind in these situations that it can be quite a murky business, particularly in the intelligence world, and sometimes one should hesitate from rushing in to form immediate conclusions.

I will also be in touch with the UAE authorities who are at the centre of the investigation into the murder and we will seek their considered opinion on this.

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