Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)

I take the opportunity to add my voice to those of other Deputies in calling on the British state to release the files for independent scrutiny in order that the families involved can get answers to questions that have tormented them for decades about the speculated collusion of British state forces in what was, as we all know, the single biggest atrocity in the history of the Troubles. Any of us who attended the wreath-laying memorial service yesterday would have been struck and poignantly felt the suffering still being endured by the families to this day. The issue for the House is what more must we do. This is the second all-party motion that the House will pass, which is welcome and historic. However, that there has to be a second all-party motion on the same issue is unfortunate because the first one should have been acted on and the information furnished before now. That is the call we all have to make strenuously.

When this matter was raised in the run-up to the visit of the Queen, the Taoiseach was less than forthcoming in answering or indicating that he would champion this cause with the British Prime Minister. Today and yesterday we heard he would do so. We should wait and see what Mr. Cameron has to state. If it is not enough, the House cannot give up on the issue. This has to be the start of the process.

Fine Gael and the Labour Party were in power when this atrocity was carried out and the investigation at the time was less than enthusiastic. It was lanced quickly and not thorough enough. As a result, we now have a role to play. Some 37 years later the Fine Gael-Labour Party Government has a chance to repair some of the damage in order that there will not have to be a third all-party motion. This is the start of a much more vocal campaign to get justice and continue the campaign which Justice for the Forgotten and the families affected have carried on for decades.

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