Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt there was a great deal of energy surrounding the statement by the Northern Ireland Attorney General, Mr. John Larkin, QC, possibly, because it suited the political agenda of some people. More important, it greatly concerned the vast majority of people. Mr. Larkin proposed a general amnesty of pre-1998 crimes. Fianna Fáil has made it clear it would not support any form of general amnesty as proposed by Mr. Larkin. The Good Friday Agreement provided for the release of people who were involved in or committed crimes. To take this a step further and provide a general amnesty would not serve the victims or their families in an appropriate manner.

The notion of a truth commission has been floated in some quarters. We need to be honest about this. We do not need a truth commission for people to effectively tell the truth. We are all aware of the fall-out from the Smithwick report last week in terms engaging in the truth. Some people say there was engagement by the IRA with the Smithwick tribunal. However, that engagement was limited and not fulsome.

The Minister has stated that he has no plans to meet the Minister for Justice, David Ford, MLA and that he has no role in regard to prosecutions, which we know and understand. However, perhaps he would clarify if he proposes to meet with Mr. Ford to discuss the matter. The Minister might also clarify if what was proposed by Mr. Larkin, which proposal I presume the Government is nailing on the head, would require legislation in this jurisdiction? Will he also confirm that the recommendations contained in the Smithwick report in terms of compellability in respect of future inquiries will straddle the two jurisdictions?

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