Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The motion tabled by the Deputy's party's called for an extension of the commission to review the destruction of the audio tapes and then to allow for the salvaging of remaining testimony. Overnight, the Minister has indicated that he is in a position to salvage the tapes and that back-up tapes have been found. I did not hear his speech earlier but he indicated that to us yesterday and has said that in a statement. That is significant in the context of the motion tabled this morning. It also talked about the archive transferring to the Minister, which we are going to do and of which we are in support. The motion also calls for the carrying out of a full review of the legislation pertaining to commissions of inquiry. We are going to do that and are committed to doing it. In addition, as amended by the Labour Party, the motion also provides for enhanced medical cards to be provided to survivors, which the Government is also committed to doing and wants to do.

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