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

The deadline for concluding the tribunal of inquiry chaired by Judge Smithwick has been extended several times. On each occasion the Minister has moved a motion to give effect to such an extension, none of the Deputies who contributed has sought to score points off other political parties. The contribution made by Deputy Niall Collins is unfortunate given the seriousness of the issue before us and I ask him to reflect on it.

As with previous motions, Sinn Féin will support the motion to extend the timeframe for completing the Smithwick tribunal's work. It is important the tribunal of inquiry is allowed to continue its work and consider additional information that recently came to light. The individual who is suffering from ill health must also be given an opportunity to present any evidence he may have to the tribunal. As the Minister indicated, it is proposed to extend the deadline for completion of the tribunal of inquiry's work by nine months, during which time two interim reports are to be produced. Sinn Féin welcomes this proposal and wishes Judge Smithwick well in his deliberations. We look forward to the conclusion of the tribunal of inquiry and the findings the judge will issue. Sinn Féin supports the motion.

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