Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to refer again to the establishment of the historical investigations unit. By definition, it will deal with issues that are decades old. Many of the families affected by murders that were never properly investigated are getting to an age at which they are concerned that they will never see a thorough investigation into the murders of, and in many cases the injuries inflicted on, family members. I welcome the Minister's statement that legislation is being advanced. I appeal to him to make sure that both the Department of Justice and Equality and his own Department ensure that a number of cases that have been referred to the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland are forwarded to the historical investigations unit when it is established and its work is under way. There are a number of cases in my constituency and elsewhere where there is evidence that the atrocities emanated from north of the Border and there have never been full investigations. This is the last chance to get some investigation, which is so much needed by those families.

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