Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that we are talking about very important information and a very sensitive period in the context of the Northern Ireland conflict. The longer time lag in this country is rather unfair on historians and researchers. Moreover, as the Deputy says, it means that only one view of what was happening back then will be in the public domain. It may well be the case that the Governments of both countries often had the same point of view, but, equally, there may well have been differences in other instances. It is very important that these differences are made known.

I have asked the working group to produce its report in a timely fashion, which will include an examination of a possible amendment to the legislation. The group is taking its task very seriously and I hope to have its recommendations before too long. If it is the case that a simple amendment is all that is required, I am sure it will be possible to assign a draftsman to devise it.

See this speech in context