Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is asking me again what he previously asked me, and I am going to repeat what I previously said, that is, I do not believe it would be helpful for me to comment on Mr. Larkin's proposals which were made in the context of ongoing consideration on how to address the past. Dr. Richard Haass has been asked to do that.

Everyone across the floor of the House may have views in respect of certain aspects of these matters. There is a time when it is appropriate to express views and there is a time when one might be better keeping one's views to oneself. However, it is important the engagement takes place.

In the context of dealing with the past, it is important not only that people tell the truth about the past but that they engage with that truth with a degree of insight, sensitivity and understanding of the impact of past conduct on individuals. It is unfortunate that some Members, in response to the Smithwick report, took it on themselves to blame the two former senior officers in the RUC for their own death. They failed to acknowledge that those directly responsible for the murders or assassinations - because assassinations is what they were - were the individuals holding the guns who fired the shots. I repeat in the House what I said outside the House, that is, I believe the comments made by Deputy Adams and, surprisingly and unfortunately, repeated by Deputy Mac Lochlainn were little short of nauseating.

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