Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

Before speaking to the motion, I take this opportunity to restate Sinn Féin's support for those who lost loved ones during the course of the conflict in getting answers and the truth. Like Deputy Calleary, we believe that an issue to which we will need to return at a later date is the establishment of a process which will enable people on all sides who lost loved ones during the course of the conflict to obtain the answers that will bring them comfort.

While on the last occasion we discussed this issue in the House there was support for the work of the tribunal and the ongoing work of Judge Smithwick, Sinn Féin expressed opposition to a timeframe being put on the work of the tribunal. However, the Minister stated on that occasion that if the chairman of the tribunal requested more time he would grant such request. That request has since been received and true to the Minister's word the timeframe is being extended. Sinn Féin supports the timeframe now being put in place at the request of the chairman. We also acknowledge that the Minister has stated that if such timeframe requires further extension he will consider it. For this reason, we support the motion before the House.

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