Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yesterday the long awaited Saville report was published. Those of us who can recall the events of 38 years ago will remember the darkness, pain, anger and sense of conflict and personal loss to those involved. The subsequent Widgery report is now discredited. The publication yesterday of the Saville report brings conclusion to one of the darkest and saddest sagas in Irish life during the past 100 years. I believe Lord Saville should be congratulated on the clarity of his report which sets out in clear and graphic terms that the 14 people shot dead by British forces 38 years ago were innocent. This clarification will I believe bring some measure of closure and belated justice and comfort to the bereaved families involved.

I welcome the open and clear statement of apology and sorrow issued yesterday by the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron. The House should set aside time next week to allow Members an opportunity to debate an agreed motion of solidarity with the victims and families arising from the publication of the Saville report. I do not expect there will be any disunity, disharmony or lack of agreement in regard to such a motion which would also bring a measure of finality and closure to this matter in the Republic. Perhaps the Taoiseach will undertake to have his Whip draft an agreed motion in this regard, which Fine Gael will be happy to support and debate next week.

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