Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her questions. Clearly, the events to which she refers, with which we are well acquainted, show how just one incident can have enormous implications, not only in Northern Ireland but throughout the entire island and beyond because of the coverage they are given. One incident has the potential to destabilise a process into which so many have put so much time in recent years.

Clearly, the parade commemorating the Ulster Covenant on 29 September will be a central part of the decade of centenaries which the two Governments are agreed should be marked in as sensitive and an understanding a manner as possible. The Minister, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, is chairing the parliamentary committee of the Houses in that regard. It is particularly important in the run-up to 29 September that there be local engagement by all of those involved, as the Deputy rightly points out. There is no point in criticising the Parades Commission. That is a distraction from the main issue of ensuring there will be no further incidents which can lead to destabilisation, particularly among young people. As the Deputy knows, all of these things lead to a highlighting of the necessity to address sectarianism and all what it means, and also the importance of improving community relations across the board. We will concentrate on this in so far as we can assist.

I met the relatives of those killed in and the survivors of the Kingsmills massacre. I was absolutely struck by the genuineness of Mr. Alan Black and his account of what had happened in being hauled out of a van, the voice of the booted person involved who said, "Right," and the18 bullets being pumped into his body. Subsequently, he could see people's faces being blown off - ordinary workmen - after the instruction was given to put a gun to the heads of those lying there. Their grief is as strong today as anybody else's. I had to assure the relatives, the families and Mr. Black that we did not have any priority in terms of loss. For everybody who lost a loved one or a family member, that speaks for itself. He made the point that they were ordinary workmen on their way back to Bessbrook. They had no other intention, but this was clearly a retaliation and an assassination of perfectly innocent men, one of whom happened to be a Catholic. I found the meeting to be a powerful engagement with people who had, in some cases, never been to Dublin before, who certainly had never been in Government Buildings before and who had not had the opportunity to meet personnel from the Government.

I would be happy to meet the Ballymurphy residents, either in Dublin or Belfast when I travel there. It is just a matter of making the arrangements. As I said, I have to meet a number of other groups. The Minister, Ms Arlene Foster, MLA, is coming down with another group from south Fermanagh soon. I will meet the new Secretary of State and there are a number of issues that clearly need to be follow through. The view of the Government, as Deputy McDonald is aware, has not changed in respect of the recommendation of Judge Cory on the public inquiries and I made this perfectly clear to the relatives of those who had been shot at Kingsmills. I look forward to meeting the new Secretary of State to discuss a number of these issues. I do not want to comment on the medical condition of any person. The question of people in detention has been raised with me on a number of occasions and it is an issue I will certainly consider raising with the Secretary of State.

With regard to the next meeting of the North-South body, there will be a range of issues which we can discuss here before we have that meeting. I will be happy to progress them in the best way possible. Again, if the Deputy wants to make contact with my Department, I will be happy to let her know when we can meet the Ballymurphy residents, either here or in Northern Ireland, whichever is the more suitable or appropriate.

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