Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the contribution of Deputies and the broad level of support that has been expressed for the Bill and its objective. The legislation is a demonstration of our conclusion that there is an urgent requirement for a fresh initiative and progress on addressing the needs of the victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland and their surviving family members. It is time for leadership and action to demonstrate to all other actors that progress is indeed possible. I know that the House is somewhat frustrated that there has been no response to the all-party motions calling on the British Government to allow an international, independent judicial figure access to all of its original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. I acknowledge what Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, and others, stated in that regard. I share that sense of frustration. However, we cannot allow that to warrant procrastination on the part of the Irish Government.

I acknowledge the comments of Deputy O'Callaghan and the support of Deputies Ó Laoghaire and Sherlock. I also acknowledge the work of Deputy Sherlock when he was a Minister of State dealing directly with the mechanism that ultimately became the Stormont House Agreement. I also acknowledge the role of his party in that regard. The needs of the victims and their families cannot be allowed to become a negotiating position. I am sure that every Deputy here shares that view. I welcome the fact that the Northern Ireland Department of Justice was in a position to announce earlier this year that the necessary funding for a reform of the system for legacy inquests will be in place from 2019. These inquests will benefit from the Bill before the House today.

I acknowledge the contribution of Deputy Broughan on the various points that he raised. All of those are valid in connection with the portion of his speech which referred directly to Northern Ireland issues. I also acknowledge the engagement by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Karen Bradley MP, to see that progress has been reported on the matter of the legacy inquests. It is important that we demonstrate to the families of victims that steps forward can be made. The Irish Government is determined to play its part in ensuring that Stormont House legacy bodies are established in a way that will meet the legitimate needs and expectations of all the victims and survivors. I state that on behalf of the Government and I also know that I am stating it on behalf of the Oireachtas. I value the support that this Bill and this initiative has garnered here this evening.

There is an urgency with this Bill, as Deputy O'Callaghan mentioned. I am pleased in that regard that the all-party talks are continuing. I am hopeful that those talks will deliver a successful outcome leading to the re-establishment of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland. Dealing effectively with the legacy of the past will be one way to honour the memory of all those killed and injured in the dark days of the Troubles. This Bill will further provide for the assistance of the Irish authorities within the legacy framework for the benefit of victims, survivors and our society as a whole.

Some 21 years on from the Good Friday Agreement it is important that we remember what has been achieved since 1998, renew our commitment to the full promise and the spirit of the agreement and challenge ourselves to continue the vital work of reconciliation. The enactment of this Bill was indeed a commitment given by the then Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, and myself during the talks on the Stormont House Agreement. Some years later, it is important that we progress the Bill this summer. That is why I am very grateful for the support for this Bill, albeit in a somewhat restricted debate. There is an urgency with this Bill and I am grateful to Deputy O'Callaghan and others for acknowledging that.

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