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

Having read through all the files and papers, there were clearly several issues of relevance to the tragic events that occurred on the day in question. It is also quite clear to me that a report relating to these matters was severely critical of the organisation surrounding two privates being on their own at the location in question. Speaking from memory of the report, there were issues with regard to communications, maintaining response in circumstances where it seemed communications had been lost, as well as a range of other issues. Some issues, as the Deputy knows, have been raised by former members of the Defence Forces who participated in that mission. Unfortunately, from my reading of matters, I do not believe these would contribute in any shape or form to locating the remains of Private Joyce, on the assumption he was killed. They would not add to the overall sum of knowledge ultimately of these events. There was a critical report done of the circumstances surrounding what occurred. It would be my preference to meet with the families to tease out matters with them. Before I do that, I want to get responses to some queries I have raised.

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