Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the part of the programme for Government which deals with Northern Ireland, I wish to raise with the Taoiseach the remarks made by the Attorney General of Northern Ireland this morning. I have grave concerns with regard to what the latter is suggesting and proposing. This goes to the core of many issues that have been raised in this House on quite a number of occasions, namely, the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, collusion between British state security forces and loyalist paramilitaries, the murder of Jean McConville, the lack of a resolution in respect of the those who were disappeared and whose bodies have never been found and the definition of when the Troubles begin and end for many families who are still seeking justice in respect of those who murdered their loved ones. It seems that a pardon has been almost unilaterally decided upon in respect of the latter. This is a very grave issue. It might suit many people if the views of the Attorney General of Northern Ireland were carried through upon, the past was neatly buried and prosecutions were placed to one side.

The House should debate this issue. The Taoiseach should set Government time aside in order that we might discuss the section in the programme for Government which deals with Northern Ireland and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement. Such a debate could form the basis of an input into the Haass process. After all, Dr. Haass has engaged in consultation and dialogue with many parties. What is wrong with the Dáil making a contribution to the process in the form of a debate? Such a debate would be very helpful.

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