Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no disagreement between Deputy Martin and myself in respect of these issues. It was a very short visit and the tightness of the schedule meant we could not have formal bilateral meetings. Like every Member, I share the view of the necessity of doing something about the undocumented Irish. I am in regular contact with a number of people in the United States about the progress of the Bill and through the Senate. The problem will be in the House of Representatives. We continuously get a stream of queries and requests for information about what is happening. It may be that it will have to go to a conference committee of the Senate and the House, depending on the issues raised by representatives in Congress. The point made by the Deputy is clear and there is no disagreement in the House.

In formal visits to the United States, we try to fit in meetings with the representatives of the undocumented. The Tánaiste is going out this week to have meetings with Congress people on the Hill in respect of the Bill that will come before them. With regard to taking the advice of the representatives on the best thing to do, we will be happy to be associated with that work. Through the embassy and the range of public representatives from all parties, we are anxious to do that.

I read Voices from the Grave. I have had words with Deputy Adams before about the late Jean McConville. After Question Time and the Order of Business, I will meet with representatives of the disappeared. We both know the feeling of an end not having been brought about when someone has died or disappeared. It is very important for the families, irrespective of where they come from, that a sense of closure be obtained. I have learned this, particularly from the families of people who were lost at sea. There is a feeling that something is missing, literally, when the remains are never recovered.

The section in the book concerning Jean McConville is stark and strong. I do not know the answer. When Deputy Gerry Adams comments, he may well make the statement that he has made to me before. This is about information contained in a number of tapes that have been sent on to the PSNI. I do not know what they contain but they arise from the oral history project at Boston College. When we talk about bringing closure and healing to the communities in Northern Ireland, this element of the disappeared is a central feature. I read the evidence from Nuala O'Loan on the fact that there was nothing to prove the late Jean McConville was an informant. I also read the Hughes allegations about the decision to have her killed and about what was to be done with the body. I do not know the truth of it; nor does Deputy Martin. Mr. Hughes makes comments about Deputy Gerry Adams, whom I cannot speak for in that regard.

I did not have any opportunity on that short occasion to have detailed discussions about the oral history project with the people in Boston College. It was the subject of court cases and I understand some of the tapes have been handed over to the PSNI.

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