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

I confirm and reassure the House that the Irish Government has a long track record of defending and promoting the rights of victims and survivors. Records show that successive Irish Governments have rigorously and vociferously pursued justice and truth for those affected by the Troubles, in Strasbourg through the European Court of Human Rights and bilaterally on all occasions with the British Government. I agree with the Deputy. These issues are most sensitive and important. I had the opportunity to have a lengthy engagement with the victims commissioner since reaching agreement on A Fresh Start. I confirm that I am available on all occasions and at all times to meet representative groups and I have done so during the course of my time as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I can state on behalf of the Taoiseach that he is also firmly engaged on these issues and has met many of the groups involved. As we take the issues forward, it will be important that the process offer a credible prospect of success for victims and survivors because I do not believe they can be disappointed again. In so far as these issues are concerned, I assure the Deputy that I am very much engaged on them and will continue to be so.

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