Dáil debates

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

2:05 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It seems to be an extraordinary development in respect of the contradictory statements that have been made here. It is correct to say that Brian Stack was murdered in cold blood outside a boxing stadium in south Dublin, which was admitted by the IRA in 2013. Austin Stack says he gave no names to Deputy Adams, the President of the Sinn Féin party. Deputy Adams is not here today and I am not sure whether he has advised his deputy leader on the truth of this situation. If names were furnished by Deputy Adams, including those of members who are serving public representatives, to the Garda Commissioner, that is a serious matter in itself. I am taking Deputy Martin's question but I do not have the detailed answer to the points being raised. It would be appropriate that if names were furnished to the Garda Commissioner by Deputy Adams, but which were not given to him by Austin Stack, the question is answered. The Garda Commissioner is either taking or will take action about that.

I expect that when I speak to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, she might make a statement on this based on the information or correspondence she has received and look at the question of the Remembrance Commission that Deputy Martin has mentioned.

The previous Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr. Shatter, met the Stack family. To be honest, if I interview Deputy Gerry Adams, he is not going to tell me the position as it applies but he might have to tell others. In that context I have no objection to meeting Austin Stack or members of his family to hear their side of this story.

Deputy Adams needs to clear up the contradiction that has arisen. If the Garda Commissioner has been furnished with names presented by the President of Sinn Féin that Austin Stack says he never gave to him, then that issue needs to be addressed. We will look at the question Deputy Martin raised in respect of the Remembrance Commission. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality will respond in so far as she can. I would be prepared to talk to Austin Stack and members of his family.

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