Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I support Deputy Kenny's proposal which, I believe, would be a good way of this House responding to the publication of the Saville report. I, too, welcome the publication of that report, in particular the clear statements made therein concerning the innocence of those who were shot in Derry on Bloody Sunday, the admission and acknowledgement that the actions of the British Army on that day were totally wrong and, the statement made yesterday by the British Prime Minister in the House of Commons, which expressed in sincere terms his sorrow and the sorrow of his Government and country for what happened on Bloody Sunday. I hope that publication of that report - this was evident from the scenes we saw yesterday from Derry - lifts a cloud not alone for the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday but for the city of Derry.

I understand from the Labour Party Whip that it is intended there will be some discussion of the report in the House next week. However, as suggested by Deputy Kenny, it would be a good idea if agreement could be reached - I am sure it can be - on an all-party motion in this regard. It should be possible to agree a motion which would allow the House to speak with unanimity on this subject. It would be desirable, in terms of the political response from the Republic of Ireland, that we speak with unanimity.

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