Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This has nothing to do with the North of Ireland, it has to do with the north of Dublin. The Government's resistance to a commission of investigation is predicated on the Taoiseach's often stated view - repeated today - that new evidence has to be presented. The families have presented new evidence which the Department of Justice and Equality has had for the past year. Accordingly, the Taoiseach's criterion has been fulfilled. Leaving that to one side, the fact is that 48 people died and a further 214 were injured. Families were devastated. The Taoiseach is quite right to say that families will never recover. I know that from my personal experience. One never recovers. A community has been deeply scarred. The first inquiry's findings have to be set one side. Even that on its own, justifies what the families are asking for. There are also credible questions about the investigation by the State of this entire disaster. The Taoiseach said there is a willingness for there to be a commission of investigation. Will he just say that he will authorise a commission of investigation finally? He has met families in the past but not since he became Taoiseach. Will he meet the families in his office and announce a commission of investigation of the type outlined in tonight's Private Members' motion?

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