Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding Pat Finucane, obviously I cannot direct the British Government here. I have reminded the Prime Minister clearly that this House unanimously, without dissent, agreed that there should be a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. That was the decision of Judge Cory. That was the decision at Weston Park. That was the decision to which both Governments signed up. I did make the point to the British Government that because Sir Desmond de Silva went through whatever extensive paperwork there was in regard to the Finucane report, which he conducted, that in itself would create a situation where a public inquiry need not be as long or as extensive in drawing together all the paperwork that now exists and that, as a consequence, need not be as costly as might be imagined.

A public inquiry need not be as lengthy or as extensive in drawing together all the paperwork that now exists and, as a consequence, it need not be as costly as might be imagined. It would fulfil the international agreement and the recommendation of Judge Cory that there be a public inquiry. This is an avenue we could pursue and, over a period, I hope it might become a reality. I understand that Desmond de Silva drew together all the paperwork on this matter and analysed it in coming up with his report.

That report was unacceptable to Geraldine Finucane and her family. I spoke to the family about the matter. We have agreed to continue pressing for a full public inquiry and we stand by that. In my view, a significant amount of work has been done on the matter through the preparation of the de Silva report. If the British Government was now to announce its intention to hold a public inquiry, a great deal of the material would already have been collated and made available. The fears that are always expressed about the extent, length and cost of public inquiries need not apply. I will continue to press that very strongly.

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