Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle as ucht an deis labhairt ar an mBille seo inniu. I take this opportunity to wish Deputy Flanagan well in his new role as Minister for Justice and Equality.

I welcome this Bill, which gives effect to the international agreement between the Irish and British Governments in September last year to establish the Independent Reporting Commission. The Independent Reporting Commission mechanism was agreed as part of the Fresh Start agreement in November 2015, which Sinn Féin negotiated and supported along with other parties. All and any steps that contribute to the ending of violence and criminality on our island are to be welcomed. The establishment of the Independent Reporting Commission is a positive step forward in that regard.

Its objective, as outlined in section 3 of the Bill, is to support long-term peace and stability. No one in this House can argue against that objective. It is what all of us want to see: peaceful communities and a peaceful country. There are those, however, who do not want to see that objective fulfilled. The continued activity of so-called paramilitary groups impedes the development of peace and imposes hardship and inflicts great harm on citizens and communities. The Bill before us this evening quite rightly reflects the need for greater all-Ireland co-operation to tackle crime and criminal activity. I welcome the realisation from both Governments and all parties, North and South, that we are better able to tackle issues like this on an all-island basis.

The argument has been made here many times that together we are better equipped to tackle the big issues that face all on the island. Sinn Féin is totally and absolutely opposed to criminality of all kinds and we stand with communities across this island, with An Garda Síochána and the PSNI in opposing criminal gangs and criminality in all its forms. As a consequence, Sinn Féin members' homes and families have been attacked. Our party will continue to try to reach out to others and to robustly face down violent loyalism and so-called republican dissidents.

Despite that fact, there have been deliberate efforts to criminalise and demonise republicans, Sinn Féin activists and other citizens, especially those in cross-Border communities in places like south Armagh and north Louth. Contrary to the image portrayed by some elements in the media and some in this place, such portraits are a fallacy, conjured up for the purposes of pathetic political point-scoring. There is no doubt that criminal gangs who masquerade as republicans for whatever reason exist. They are not republicans. They are criminals. No doubt, the Independent Reporting Commission will come to that same conclusion.

There is also a major problem relating to ongoing loyalist paramilitary violence, which should concern us all. The recent killing of a man in Bangor, purportedly as a result of a feud within the UDA, is deeply concerning and there can be no room for such grievous acts in a civilised society. I urge those involved to stop and to stop now in the interests of all citizens.

The Independent Reporting Commission is a mechanism on which we can all agree. It was agreed as a result of all-party talks and agreement between both Governments. The latest round of talks in the North has regrettably not proven successful, despite the very best efforts of Sinn Féin to find agreement with the DUP, the other parties and the two Governments on outstanding issues. It is disappointing but perhaps not surprising that a deal has not been done. Such a result is a direct consequence of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, supporting the DUP and the DUP supporting her. It is a monumental failure by her and her Government. Decades of work are being put on hold to keep her in power.

It should be very clear by now that a restored assembly and Executive is only sustainable and tenable if it is based on fairness, respect and equality. The rights-based issues, whether they be Acht na Gaeilge, a bill of rights, marriage equality or the rights of families to coroners’ inquests, independent investigations and information recovery, are not solely Sinn Féin demands. They are citizens' demands. They are basic rights that are protected in England, Scotland, Wales and the rest of Ireland. The denial of these rights would not be tolerated elsewhere on these islands and therefore should not be tolerated in the North. However, the British Government is prepared to facilitate such a failure because it is in hock to the DUP. It is prepared to say "No" to fundamental human rights to appease its partners in the DUP. It is totally unacceptable. Sinn Féin was, and is, prepared to work through the issues involved. We will continue to try to do that but we will not tolerate the denial of basic human rights.

It should not be a shock to anyone that unionist parties want to delay nor that they come to the issues of rights slowly and reluctantly but they cannot do that forever. The reality is the Sinn Féin electorate will not consent to be governed by the DUP on the DUP's terms. We do not and would not expect the DUP electorate to consent to be governed by us on Sinn Féin's terms. Therefore, it is really quite simple. It is all about rights. It is about equality and respect. It is all about agreement and on how these rights are to be delivered. That is the only way to get the institutions back in place. We have said that very directly to the DUP. We have said the same thing to the British Government. Mrs. May is prepared to tolerate in the North the denial of rights that are enjoyed everywhere else on these islands. That is not acceptable to us, nor will it ever be. It should not be acceptable to anyone else and we look especially to the Taoiseach to make this clear to Theresa May.

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