Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the commentary of Deputy Smith and, indeed, acknowledge his support and that of his party, both in recent times and prior to that, in terms of our approach here to matters pertaining to Northern Ireland.

The Government has a long track record of defending and promoting the rights of victims and survivors. The record clearly shows that successive Irish Governments, including those of Deputy Smith's party, have rigorously pursued justice and truth for those adversely affected by the Troubles.

This commitment to victims and survivors will remain a key priority for this Government and for myself. Whether it is Ballymurphy or Kingsmill, the Dublin-Monaghan bombings or the late Pat Finucane, the measure of one's commitment is not the loudness but the resilience and persistence. This commitment was demonstrated again through the Government's work with the British Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland in agreeing the Stormont House Agreement of December last year. This was a watershed moment in terms of dealing in a fundamental way with the legacy of the past. I met victims' representatives in recent times and I will continue to do so, and make myself available, as will my Government colleagues.

It is now important to continue our efforts to implement in full the new institutional framework on the past, as agreed under the Stormont House Agreement, which builds on the substantial progress achieved on legacy issues at the recent talks and keeps the needs of the victims and their survivors at the centre of everything these new institutions will do. The opportunity to set up the institutions must not be lost, and I intend having further meetings between now and the Christmas season.

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