Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Fianna Fáil supports the extension of the timeframe of the tribunal. I compliment Judge Smithwick and his team on the manner in which they have carried out their work to date. It is clear that the work they did in private session, ahead of the commencement of the public tribunal, was worthwhile and necessary. Since commencement of the public hearings we have had a clear and coherent narrative on a dark chapter in the life of this country. It is clear that there are other such chapters that need similar lights shone on them. However, we will at another time discuss how this should be done in terms of the island's history.

I presume the Minister's reference to receipt of an interim report by 9 March 2011 was a mistake and that the correct date in that regard is 9 March 2012, ahead of the final report.

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