Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is important that Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan has moved this amendment. It is right that this jurisdiction is moving forward with legislation, which is overdue, but there must be accompanying action from Britain. On the text of the amendment, it is not necessarily the case that we should avoid legislating because of the absence of legislation in Britain. However, the lack of action is lamentable. In terms of the British Government, there has been consultation and that process was extended. The can has been kicked down the road constantly, which is deeply frustrating and upsetting for victims who have been waiting for far too long for the truth. As I said in previous contributions, making progress on legacy issues is very difficult and has required lengthy discussion. It is not easy to get both Governments and all parties on to the same page. However, that was achieved in Stormont House. We need to expedite this. The legislation is but one part of it. I see the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is present and I hope he continues to put pressure on the British Government to hold up its part of the Stormont House Agreement. This is one part of it but Britain's legislation on legacy issues is also needed urgently. That is the sentiment behind the amendment. Co-operation on legacy issues must be a two-way street. That is right and appropriate.

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