Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. However, in order to find out the truth or anything else, one must look and examine. I do not doubt the Taoiseach's sincerity, even if I have concerns about the appalling pace of progress for the families and victims. I wish to make it clear to the Taoiseach that this is a case of significant State failings by successive British and Irish Governments. Last year the Taoiseach met the families of victims of the Enniskillen bombing and the Armagh massacre. I ask him to give half an hour at some stage to Mr. Gallagher and his people who are here today.

There have been failures on the part of both Governments in fulfilling their responsibilities under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The families can no longer be fobbed off with the standard line about ongoing investigations. They are calling for a full and thorough investigation; it is what they deserve and need. It is what Ireland needs. There is a need to move forward with peace and reconciliation.

The Taoiseach is head of the Government. Will he give a solemn commitment to meet with these families? Almost a decade since his Ard-Fheis promise, they are still waiting for a full cross-Border inquiry. Will he commit to putting in place an effective process in which the families can be actively engaged rather than just politely listened to and then ignored? This has been the case to date. It is time we paid a little bit more than the usual political lip-service to the cause of these families and actually do something that will help them. It is action they need, not heartfelt sentiments that are soon forgotten while the families and victims linger for another 15 years without the full facts of what happened on that awful day being brought to light and to public scrutiny.

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