Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all those who spoke and for their support for the motion. It is very important that this tribunal completes its work. It is unfortunate that a key witness is suffering ill-health and that is delaying matters because the tribunal has been sitting for a substantial period. I am very conscious of the bereaved families of the two RUC officers who so dreadfully lost their lives. We have a duty to them to ensure that the most comprehensive inquiry is completed and that it reaches conclusions on the issues that fall within its terms of reference.

It is unfortunate that at a very late stage some new information has become available. It is important that any information that may shed light on allegations made is furnished to the tribunal but the tribunal has been sitting for some years and, as I said in my opening comments, it is a little surprising that in June of this year, and as recently as September of this year, new information has arisen.

It is in the interests of the family concerned and the public interest that Judge Smithwick is facilitated in completing his work. In answer to Deputy Catherine Murphy's query, the timeframe that is being given to the tribunal is that requested by Judge Smithwick. I am not privy to the detail of the material he has received. He has seen it and I can only assume that he believes any further work the tribunal is required to undertake based on that material will be both completed in the intervening period and will allow sufficient time for him to write his report and furnish it to both Houses.

It is important to put on the record of the House, in the light of such recent information suddenly becoming available, if there is any individual anywhere on this island or outside this island, any group on this island or outside this island or any individuals who are engaged in subversive activities on this island who have any information of any description that has not yet been furnished to this tribunal that would facilitate it undertaking the work it has been asked to undertake by this House and the other House, that information should be provided. I do not want to be in a position where the witness who is currently unwell has completed their evidence and to receive a letter perhaps in June or early July of next year from Judge Smithwick because some further new information has suddenly been furnished to him at the beginning of June of next year.

It is reasonable that any relevant information to the workings of this tribunal that is held by any individual, body or group of any nature on this island or on our neighbouring islands or elsewhere be furnished to Judge Smithwick so this tribunal can properly proceed to complete its work. In the context of one particular witness being unwell, I am assuming the tribunal can focus on the new information furnished to it and progress that aspect of matters. If there is anything else it should know that is being withheld from it, it is important it receives it.

I thank Members of this House for their support and for their contribution. In the public interest and in the interests of the two bereaved families, I hope that the next occasion on which we are addressing this issue is in the context of a final report having been received by both Houses. I appreciate we will receive two interim reports. I do not know if they will give rise to debate. I am anticipating that they may simply indicate the extent to which the chairman believes he can meet the timeframe that is now prescribed by both Houses.

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