Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to be able to speak on the extension of the sections of the Criminal Justice Act and sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998. I am supportive of this provision and although we should not have to use such provisions, it is an unfortunate necessity. It is only right and proper that we have this provision.

I salute all who were involved with the G8 summit, which passed off peacefully. It is important that world leaders could come to Ireland, which is our country. Somebody referred to the location being in Great Britain but it is in Ireland by a beautiful lakeside. I am glad it passed off peacefully, although it is unfortunate that security must be provided. I was on the way to Omagh when the atrocity occurred but I am thankful I did not arrive until the morning afterwards. I met families and the late Mo Mowlam, along with Prince Charles, as I stayed for a couple of days afterwards. It was a most horrific scene. There were serious question marks about the deployment of police forces on both sides of the Border and I challenge the Minister to act on the report handed to him over a year ago. That was compiled by Mr. Martin Bridger, who was a special investigator for the PSNI and a covert intelligence officer.

The Minister and the Taoiseach have the report, and at the 2004 Ard-Fheis the Taoiseach promised he would meet the Omagh families. Since getting into government, the Taoiseach and the Minister have been silent and refused to meet those people. There are serious question marks over the circumstances surrounding the Omagh bombing. I salute Mr. Gallagher and their families for the way in which they are trying to raise the issue and have the truth outed. In opposition, the Minister promised action but has shamefully neglected to act. He has had the report for over 12 months and the Taoiseach stated that the Minister would meet those people. When will that happen and will the Minister be up-front in providing the answers these people require? These are peaceful and quiet people but they want a determination on the issue, and I am sure the report makes for very serious reading. Detective Sergeant John White from Tipperary needs to have his name cleared. He is a neighbour and when he was brought to court, the charges were thrown out. He was used as a scapegoat and his name should be cleared.

The Minister has indicated there will be more recruitment to Templemore, which is much-needed. I hope the work continues as we must support An Garda Síochána by keeping their numbers above the magic level of 13,000. I welcome the news and I look forward to seeing Templemore training centre active again.

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