Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is a question. I believe that this decade of centenaries offers such an opportunity. I invite the Taoiseach again to reconsider same.

The Taoiseach responded earlier to the question on the consultative civic forum. I would welcome progress in that regard. As a member of the North-South Parliamentary Forum working group I record my appreciation of the efforts of the Ceann Comhairle, the Clerk of the Dáil and the representatives of all parties. We had a further meeting, our first joint working group meeting, on Monday in Stormont. All one can say in that respect is progress is being made. I would wish to see similar progress at least being made on the consultative civic forum.

The Taoiseach is about to depart for his first meeting with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron. I too wish him well, as he is representing all of us in that engagement. Given that the Taoiseach has not raised this matter with the former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, since this House passed an all-party motion two years ago next month on 10 July 2008 on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, and seeking address in terms of the Saville report referencing the terrible events of January 1972, I ask that he would accept and correct the fact even now late in the day and that he would raise the issue with David Cameron in the hope of furthering the proposal to have an inquiry established led by an independent, international judicial figure to investigate fully the facts behind the tragedies that were visited on the people of Dublin and Monaghan town on 17 May 1974. I put it to the Taoiseach that that is something he must do. I appeal to him to use the opportunity and to start the process of raising that matter now in a real and concerted way.

With the impending cessation of the funding stream to Justice for the Forgotten, will the Taoiseach restore that funding commitment, as it is the only group representative of victims of the conflict functioning, operating, campaigning and working tirelessly in this jurisdiction? The comparable groups representing hurt communities north of the Border continue to secure funding from the British Government. Surely it cannot be lost on the Taoiseach that that is a very stark contrast between the approaches of both Governments? I appeal to the Taoiseach to recommit the funding stream to Justice for the Forgotten to allow it to continue and I hope one day soon to conclude its important work.

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