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

As I said, in the context of the meeting we tasked our officials to undertake any further work required to ensure any issues that remain to be addressed arising from the Smithwick report are addressed. As I said there is very close co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI. There is continuing contact between the Chief Constable in Northern Ireland and the Garda Commissioner. Mr. Ford and I emphasised our full support for both bodies and the work they are doing. I expect in the not-too-distant future to receive a report of the outcome of the work that is being undertaken arising from the Smithwick report.

As Deputy Niall Collins has rightly noted, court proceedings have been taken challenging some of the conclusions contained in that report. In the context of those court proceedings I want to be careful to say anything that would in any way prejudice the proceedings. As the Deputy knows, the Government has accepted the Smithwick tribunal report and the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and I expressed our apologies to the bereaved families of the honourable members of the PSNI. When the work that is under way is completed I will be in a position further to report to the House on it.

See this speech in context