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

I thank the Tánaiste for his comprehensive response. I agree entirely with the sentiments articulated in the statement. I thank him for the clarity of his reply. The Smithwick inquiry has proven to be effective and has come to a conclusion that is both shocking and sickening and is a betrayal of the many members of the Garda Síochána who made such sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and the IRA. The report also illustrates the value of the conclusions of the Weston Park Agreement and the value of such inquiries, long and difficult as they might be, in shining a light on appalling atrocities such as the one under discussion.

It is equally important that the other aspects of the Weston Park Agreement, in particular the Finucane case, are addressed in the same comprehensive manner as employed by the Smithwick tribunal. What is required is an investigation comparable to the terms of reference of the Smithwick tribunal for those other allegations of collusion. There has been significant forestalling in that regard by the British Government. The clarity and importance of the conclusions underline the importance of such exercises in going further than official investigations in terms of bringing the truth to people. That is extremely important. I welcome the Tánaiste’s commitment to a debate because it is extremely important that we avoid language that endeavours to muddy the clarity of what happened. It was a cold-blooded premeditated murder which struck at the heart of those who were upholding the security of our citizens North and South. In essence, that is what we are considering. The fact that collusion was involved is doubly shocking to many citizens and to the vast majority of the members of An Garda Síochána.

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